The mayor of Vancouver, Ken Sim, is urging the provincial government to take more decisive action in relocating single-room occupancy (SRO) supportive housing from the Granville Entertainment District (GED). During a press conference held at the Roxy nightclub, Mayor Sim emphasized the need for clear timelines from BC Housing regarding the closure of problematic SRO properties such as the St. Helen’s Hotel and Granville Villa. He expressed concerns about the negative impact these buildings have on the GED and highlighted the urgency of the situation.
Sim also called on the province to establish new involuntary mental health-care beds in Vancouver promptly and fulfill its commitment to a mandatory care system. He underscored the importance of addressing these issues to save lives, support local businesses, and restore public confidence in the downtown core.