June 15 2022 –
Following a public hearing that began on Tuesday, June 14, during which Council heard feedback from the public, the plan for a new development at 1406-1410 East King Edward Ave reached an important milestone with Council’s approval of the rezoning application.
The City, provincial, and federal governments are taking collective action to address the critical needs of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Vancouver, as well as those seeking affordable housing. The creation of new permanent supportive housing will provide hundreds of residents with safe, secure, and affordable homes with onsite support services.
This is the first of five City-owned sites that support an MOU, signed in August 2020 by the City of Vancouver, CMHC, and BC Housing to deliver a minimum of 300 permanent supportive homes using modular construction. This building will include 109 studio homes – all units have their own private bathroom and kitchen and 5% of the homes will be fully accessible.
Vancouver Native Housing Society (VNHS) and Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) have been selected as the non-profit operators of the building to deliver 24/7 support services to residents and manage the building.
Next steps
With the site rezoning now approved, the project will proceed with a development permit application. BC Housing and the federal government will provide the capital funding for the development, BC Housing will provide operational funding, and construction on the project is anticipated to start in Q2 of 2023.
The homes would serve low-income residents, including families, singles, people with disabilities, and seniors.
This application was considered under the Kensington-Cedar Cottage Community Vision PDF file (4 MB).
Quotes
Mayor Kennedy Stewart
“As a City of Reconciliation, we are committed to working with xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Nation), sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), and urban Indigenous communities. The approval of these 109 new homes for Indigenous people, run by Indigenous people, will help give people safety, security, and a place of their own to call home,” said Mayor Kennedy Stewart. “What’s more, wrap-around services will support those living with challenges to walk a path towards healthier, more fulfilled lives.”
Richard George, Board President, Vancouver Native Housing Society
“Vancouver Native Housing Society (VNHS) is excited to partner with the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS), BC Housing, and the City of Vancouver to operate supportive and affordable units for low-income residents, specifically prioritizing Indigenous women, 2 Spirit, LGBTQ+, and Elders,” said Richard George, Board President, Vancouver Native Housing Society. “VNHS has over 30 years of experience in operating and providing safe, secure, and accessible housing for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples across Vancouver. VNHS and VAFCS look forward to joining the neighbourhood and strengthening the community while addressing a much-needed demand for affordable housing in Vancouver.”
Susan Tatoosh, Executive Director, Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Center
“The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) is pleased to partner with the Vancouver Native Housing Society (VNHS) to provide on and off-site supportive services to the future residents of 1406 King Edward. VAFCS has been providing services, resources, programs, and community spaces for Vancouver’s urban Indigenous community for over 60 years,” said Susan Tatoosh, Executive Director, Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Center. “VAFCS is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of urban Indigenous peoples in Vancouver by providing health, wellness, welfare, social services, human rights, culture, education, and recreational services and programs to all Indigenous peoples.”
David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing
“This is one of four significant buildings funded by the Province for Vancouver to respond to the city’s ongoing homeless crisis that we’re awaiting approval, so I thank Vancouver City Council for approving the rezoning proposal for this important development and look forward to the remaining approvals,” said David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing. “I encourage City Council to continue their work to ensure all rental, affordable, and supportive housing development approvals are done with the urgency the housing crisis demands. By working together, the Province and the City can deliver the housing our communities are demanding.”