News

Last night, the City of Vancouver delivered its latest blow to the affordable housing crisis. After more than 300 people signed up to speak at the public hearing, largely in opposition, Council voted to change the zoning of the Downtown Eastside Oppenheimer District (DEOD) so that social housing will be reduced to just 20% of new developments and shelter-rate housing ($500 per month) to as low as 4% of new developments. Towers of up to 32 storeys will be allowed in the area, and SRO and tenant protections will be weakened. All this, plus we know from experts that land values will increase because of speculation, driving up rents in the area.

This is the latest policy choice after a run of decisions that will make finding safe, affordable housing for Vancouver residents even harder. Earlier this month, they voted against an initiative that would have made it easier and faster to build non-profit and social housing throughout the city. They voted against a grant for the Community Land Trust to purchase an SRO. Last year, they froze new supportive housing builds.

All of this leads us to ask: where are people supposed to go? Where are people with limited incomes, seniors, those with disabilities, and those who just don’t make enough money supposed to live? Where are those who are currently homeless and trying to find a home supposed to go?

We’re dismayed with the direction that the City is going in, but we will not give up. Our Director of Systems Change and Legal, Dr. Sarah Marsden, and Staff Lawyer, Vinson Shih prepared and submitted evidence indicating how this rezoning would harm the community and residents within it. They will continue their advocacy and law reform work to ensure that everyone has access to a safe and affordable home and that tenants’ rights are upheld. We will continue to speak at Council when harmful motions are brought forward, and we will continue to provide direct services to those who live in this neighbourhood, just as we have for 140 years. We will not stop because dignity, belonging and justice are at the heart of all that we do.

To those of you who joined us by sending a letter to Council and signed up to speak in opposition: thank you for joining us. This isn’t the outcome that we wanted but change is possible through mobilization and people power, and we are honoured that you’ve continued to join us in this work.