I would like to update you with the great news that Vancouver will be benefiting from the Province’s new $80 million investment in supportive housing. The majority of that financial commitment goes towards the purchase of 10 Single-Room Occupancy hotels in our city, and it is the largest single acquisition of this critical housing stock in the history of the province. When you combine announcements made earlier this year, the total number of supportive housing units in Vancouver totals 1,144.
Our partners in senior levels of government recognize that homelessness is a critical issue. Yesterday’s investment will begin to turn the tide on homelessness, and create safe, clean, affordable housing in Vancouver.
Credit must be given to Premier Campbell and his Cabinet for this new funding commitment. I encourage you to take a moment to email Premier Campbell at premier@gov.bc.ca if, like me, you endorse the province’s inititiative and would like them to maintain and grow support for social housing.
Mayor Sam Sullivan
In response to the Provincial commitment to new social housing units in Vancouver…
“I thought this was revolutionary” – Civic Affairs Reporter, Frances Bula, Vancouver Sun – CBC Civic Affairs Panel
“A positive first step” Brent Granby, President of the West End Residents Association – Vancouver Province
“I think it will stabilize the market, which is good. ” Allen Garr, Vancouver courier – CBC Civic Affairs Panel
“Today is a good news story…we think this is an important first step in dealing with the challenges of homelessness in Vancouver.” David Eby, Pivot Legal Society – Vancouver Province
Details of the Province’s purchase of affordable housing in Vancouver
| Feb 23, 2007 BC Housing Announcement: | Vancouver: 262 | Rest of Province 595 |
| April 3, 2007 announcement | Vancouver: 882 | Rest of Province 114 |
| Total | Vancouver: 1144 | Rest of Province 710 |
*The following Single Room Occupancy (SRO) hotels have been purchased by the Province in Vancouver:
| Vancouver Hotel: | Address: | Number of rooms |
| Marble Arch Hotel | 518 Richards St. | 145 |
| St. Helens Hotel | 1161/63 Granville St. | 98 |
| Carl Rooms | 335 Princess St. | 47 |
| The Rice Block | 404 Hawks St. | 43 |
| Molson’s Bank Building | 166 E. Hastings St. | 45 |
| The Park Hotel Apartments | 429/433 W. Pender St. | 56 |
| Walton Hotel | 261-265 E. Hastings St. | 51 |
| Orange Hall | 329-341 Gore Ave. | 27 |
| Orwell Hotel | 456 E. Hastings | 55 |
| Savoy Hotel | 258-260 E. Hastings St. | 28 |
|
Total:
|
595 rooms |
*The Province is also committing to creating supportive housing units at three sites owned by the City of Vancouver:
| Address | Number of housing units |
| 1321 Richards St. | 87 |
| 337 W. Pender St. | 120 |
| 980 Main St. | 80 |
|
Total:
|
287 housing units |
*Source: bchousing.org
