Business and property owners along Granville Street have long grappled with challenges such as violence, drug use, and vandalism. According to the Hospitality Vancouver Association (HVA), these issues are exacerbated by the presence of three single-room occupancy (SRO) supportive housing buildings in the area.
Laura Ballance, a spokesperson for HVA, expressed the organization’s concerns, stating, “The concentration of individuals with complex mental health and addiction issues in our city’s entertainment district has proven to be a failed experiment.”
In response to the situation, the Luugat emergency SRO, formerly the Howard Johnson hotel, was converted as a temporary solution in 2020. However, BC Housing recently announced that the facility will close in June 2026, leaving uncertainty around the future of the remaining two SROs – the St. Helen’s Hotel and Granville Villa.
Dave Kershaw, the owner of Cabana Nightclub located beneath the St. Helens SRO, shared the detrimental impact on his business. He cited over 100 floods and multiple fires caused by his upstairs neighbors, resulting in significant financial losses and disruptions.
The Ministry of Housing is now focused on developing long-term plans to replace SROs and exploring alternative solutions. Housing Minister Christine Boyle acknowledged the challenges faced by residents and business owners in the Granville Entertainment District, emphasizing the need for urgent action to support vulnerable tenants and prevent street homelessness.
Despite efforts by the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) and Vancouver Fire Rescue, who have responded to over 6,600 emergency calls at the SRO sites since 2020, VPD Chief Steve Rai highlighted the complex nature of the social issues. Rai affirmed the commitment of law enforcement to address crime, apprehend offenders, and enhance safety in the neighborhood.