B.C. expands Downtown Eastside community building plans

The B.C. government says it’s moving forward with expanded plans for a community building in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, with more supports and affordable housing included.

Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon says the redevelopment of 301 East Hastings Street was initially planned in 2018. At the time, the plan called for 75 units of affordable housing on one lot.

Now, however, he says the project is much bigger.

“We are now assembling four parcels next to 301 to build a main floor of health-care services for people within the community, as well as close to 200 units of housing in the community,” he explained Friday.

One of the additional pieces of land was donated by the 625 Powell Street Foundation, the province notes.

The minister says the province, BC Housing, and Vancouver Coastal Health — which owns 301 East Hastings — will work with the City of Vancouver for an application to redevelop the site this coming fall.

“We’re making this next step a considerable project redevelopment that will have partnerships that ground us.”

The buildings on the four lots are expected to have up to eight storeys. They will consist of below-market homes for those with low-to-moderate incomes, as well as supportive housing for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

As for what kinds of services will be offered on the first floor, the province says Vancouver Coastal is engaging with health-care providers, Indigenous partners, and the DTES community to figure out what is needed.

“People deserve to have a safe place they can call home and a supportive environment that promotes healthy living so they can lead a meaningful life,” said Minister of Health Adrian Dix.

The B.C. government says planning is underway for demolition and to remove hazardous materials on site. It adds “revitalizing the DTES is a key priority.”