Commercial Drive to get 15-storey social housing building

Ninty-three units of social housing are coming to East Vancouver, after city council approved on Thursday a 15-storey, mixed-used residential building for Commercial Drive.

The building, to be located at 800 Commercial Dr., will be operated by Entre Nous Femmes Housing Society (ENFHS), the city said.

“We’re proud to be one step closer to delivering this important housing development for East Vancouver,” Mayor Ken Sim said in a statement. “This project represents a significant step toward addressing our city’s urgent need for affordable housing, while enhancing well-being in the Grandview-Woodland neighbourhood. We are building a brighter, more inclusive future for Vancouver.”

Entre Nous is a non-profit that has been operating in the Grandview-Woodland area for over 40 years.

“I think there is a recognition that there is a housing crisis in Vancouver and more housing is needed,” said the organization’s CEO, Lilian Chau.

“There a general acceptance from the neighbourhood and people loved the design. The balcony is designed for greater social connections.”

Not everyone is happy with the development, however. During a public hearing Thursday, residents opposed to the project’s rezoning proposal shared their concerns.

The residents say insufficient transit, limited health resources, and the overall scope of the project will put a strain on the existing community resources.

According to the city, the building will include 26 studio units, 29 one-bedroom units, 26 two-bedroom units. and 12 three-bedroom units.

The building will also have commercial and retail spaces, “envisioned as hubs for community services.”

A minimum of 30 per cent of the units will be rented at or below Housing Income Limits.

With files from Angela Bower.