The City of Vancouver has abandoned plans to build a 13-storey social housing building in Kitsilano, citing concerns about the location and its proximity to nearby facilities. The project, which was pitched four years ago as a partnership between the city and the province, aimed to provide 129 affordable homes for those at risk of homelessness.
Project Details
- On-site Supports: The development included health-care services.
- Community Opposition: The project faced fierce opposition from a neighbourhood group due to its location near:
- An elementary school
- A women’s recovery house
Mayor’s Statement
In an email, Mayor Ken Sim stated:
"It’s clear this location wasn’t the right fit for the scale and type of housing that was proposed."
He expressed concerns about mental health issues arising from the proximity to nearby facilities.
Legal Context
A consent order agreed upon by the City of Vancouver and the neighbourhood group led to the project’s cancellation last month. However, a December court ruling declared B.C.’s law unconstitutional, meaning no consent orders can be made under it. Neither side appealed further through Canadian courts.
Minister’s Response
Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing, expressed disappointment over the cancellation:
"Now we’ll have to find another parcel of land or possibly purchase something."
He highlighted the urgent need for supportive homes, noting that people are currently sleeping outdoors.
Impact on Homelessness
The cancellation is viewed as a setback in addressing homelessness in Vancouver. According to data from BC Housing Authority Services Corporation (BC Housing):
- 2023: 2,444 individuals experienced homelessness across Metro Vancouver.
- 2022: 2,549 individuals reported.
Call for Community-Based Solutions
Advocates emphasize that more than just building new units is necessary. Susan Boyd-Scott, executive director at RainCity Housing & Support Society, stated:
"We need more community-based solutions."
Key Points from Boyd-Scott:
-
Urgent Need for New Units: While new units are essential, they require ongoing support services, including:
- Case management
- Counseling
- Medical care
- Mental health treatment
- Substance use treatment
- Food security support
- Employment assistance
- Education and training
- Job placement help
- Assistance in finding permanent housing
-
Integration of Services: Boyd-Scott emphasized that these services should be integrated into existing buildings to avoid displacing residents:
"We don’t want people being displaced again."
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