Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim says the city has reached an agreement in principle with the provincial government to close down three SROs in the Granville Entertainment District (GED).
Sim says public safety issues stemming from those living in the Luugat Hotel, St Helen’s Hotel and Granville Villa have been a problem for months.
A joint statement from Sim and Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister Christine Boyle explains that the province has agreed to make “best efforts” to relocate residents of the Luugat Hotel by June, while the city will provide land for the five proposed new sites.
“It is intended that the three SRO sites will be replaced with approximately 280 self-contained units outside of the GED,” the statement says.
The mayor says the move will give SRO residents the chance to move into higher-quality housing with the supports they need, and bring back some vibrancy to the Granville Entertainment District.
“The Government of BC and the City of Vancouver agree that this work will be undertaken in a way that preserves the dignity of existing SRO tenants, respects the Residential Tenancy Act, and addresses public safety concerns.”
As a host of seven FIFA World Cup Matches, Vancouver is expected to welcome tens of thousands of additional tourists starting in June.
The Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association recently told 1130 NewsRadio that the closure of the three SROs in time for the influx of tourists was among its members’ top priorities.
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Hospitality Vancouver Association spokesperson Laura Ballance says the deal comes as “incredibly good news.”
“We’re hopeful that that this announcement will begin the process of restoring confidence on the safety and security of Granville Street, which is our designated Entertainment District of our city,” said Ballance.
She says the district being home to a high-concentration of residents with complex mental health and addiction needs has been a “recipe for disaster” for nearly six years.
“Now, to have the recognition that they that all three will be closed, and residents transitioned into more appropriate housing, is very good news. And we’re hopeful that with the increased level of safety and and less chaos and street disorder that we will see not only tourists, but also regional patrons and and guests returning to the street.”
In a post to social media, Sim said the agreement is “real progress” for local businesses and workers.