Vancouver council paves way for low-barrier supportive housing near Italian Cultural Centre

Despite opposition in the surrounding community, Vancouver city council has paved the way for a new, supportive, social housing project near the Italian Cultural Centre in East Vancouver.

Including written submissions, approximately 100 people spoke out against the proposed low-barrier units Tuesday night before councillors approved the rezoning of a parcel of land along Grandview Highway near Slocan Street.

“I’m opposed to this supportive housing facility located within a block of our facility, particularly about the potential negative impact it will have on these valuable, non-profit entities that I and many others serve as volunteers,” said Joe Finamore, a long-time volunteer board member and past president of the Italian Cultural Centre.

“The centre is a great asset in the community, we’ve existed for over 45 years with relatively little government aid and have been able to provide facilities, programs and activities for all ages, regardless of one’s background,” he explained.

Those facilities include a daycare, affordable seniors’ housing and sports fields, and Finamore pointed out they are not a fenced property.

“This is on purpose. We welcome everyone to our site, wherever they are coming from. We make our best efforts to make everyone’s visit a safe and welcoming one. My concern here is that potential problem individuals living in the proposed, low-barrier facility will gravitate to our property and compromise our ability to be safe and welcoming.”

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Finamore further outlined worries about a drop in the number of people using the centre and its facilities, which he said are critical for the funding of social and cultural programs, along with maintenance.

Even though Cheryl Branton lives in Kitsilano, she appeared before the council, saying she and her family frequent the cultural centre and its sports fields.

“Supportive housing is required in Vancouver — there is no debate we need housing — however, congregating people with mental health [issues] and addictions will not lead to the outcomes required for the people in the building, the neighbourhood, or for Vancouver.”

She pointed to other Permanent Modular Supportive Housing Initiatives in the city, including 147 units located along False Creek, bringing up fears of things like used needles, open drug use, and human faeces.

“If you need a clear example, look no further than Marguerite Ford in the Olympic Village. The Vancouver Police Department received 972 calls in the first two years of operation. That was a 1,700 per cent increase over the previous two years,” Branton told council, referencing minutes from local community advisory committee meetings.

Despite a majority in opposition to the project, there were some supporters of the low-barrier social housing near the Italian Cultural Centre.

“I live about a block away from the proposed rezoning,” said a caller named John. “Incomes should not be a barrier to living in our neighbourhood and I’m really glad to see more supportive housing being proposed in the city and in our neighbourhood. I really hope to see this pass.”

After the speakers wrapped up their submissions, Vancouver city council unanimously approved the rezoning for the social housing, including an amendment to have city staff continue to engage with the Italian Cultural Centre.

According to the city, the proposed supportive housing project is for 64 social housing units within a six-storey residential building.

The development was first submitted to council in April 2022 and referred to a public hearing on January 13 of this year.

In partnership with BC Housing, the City of Vancouver has created more than 650 temporary modular supportive homes over the past three years to provide immediate relief to people living without a home.