Crews have finally broken ground at the site of an affordable rental housing building in the Little Mountain neighbourhood of Vancouver.
The lot has sat empty since 2009, since existing social housing there was purchased by Holborn Properties Ltd. and demolished. The move displaced nearly 700 people.
Holborn was originally required to replace those units but claimed it failed to get financing. Vancouver city council last year voted to nullify the requirement.
“This isn’t just a building; it’s an important step in creating an inclusive neighbourhood with diverse housing options for families of all income levels,” said Mayor Ken Sim in a statement Thursday. “I’m thrilled to see construction breaking ground on this much needed social housing and community facility in Little Mountain.”
The city-owned building will provide a mix of housing options, including 12 studio units, eight one-bedroom units, 16 two-bedroom units, and 12 three-bedroom units. Accessible units will also be made available for people with disabilities.
The city says a minimum of 30 per cent of homes in the building will be rented at or below B.C. Housing Income Limits.
Located at 167 East 36th Avenue, the homes will be built in an area of the city with the highest ratio of households comprised of young families with children less than six years of age.