South Granville supportive housing draws concern from local businesses – BC

Some business owners in Vancouver’s South Granville neighbourhood are expressing concerns about a new supportive housing project in the area, stating that they were not consulted or notified.

The provincial government unveiled a $54 million plan in April 2023 to purchase and renovate the Chalmers Lodge on West 12th Avenue.

The project is aimed at providing housing for seniors who are homeless or living in single-room occupancy (SRO) hotels.

However, some businesses on Granville Street are concerned about existing crime issues and claim that the province did not engage in consultation with them.

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“The housing program will, and should be in addition to our diverse and inclusive community, but without communicating that to the businesses, the neighbours, people in general here you just don’t know what to expect,” said Lynda Barr, store director at Dianne’s Lingerie.

Barr mentioned that the neighborhood is open to everyone, but pointed out that many of the stores and amenities in the area are expensive, which could pose challenges for low-income tenants at a supportive housing project.

“Is this the best place and the right place for them?” she questioned.

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Anila Frroku, the owner of the fashion boutique MOTRATi, mentioned that she moved to the neighborhood three years ago because she believed it was quiet and safe.

However, she noted that she has observed a decline in the area since then.

Frroku expressed that the lack of communication from BC Housing regarding the new project has led to fears among business owners about potential new tenants at the Chalmers Lodge facility.

“I understand that people, they need homes. Absolutely. I totally understand that part. It’s just who is going to move there? We don’t know. I cannot assume what is going to happen,” she stated.

“The process should have started with us being notified, or asked at least for our opinion in making that decision.”

Global News is reaching out to BC Housing for comment on the project.

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The project website of the Crown corporation indicates that the 12-storey building, which previously served as an assisted living facility for seniors, will prioritize seniors who are already BC Housing tenants but seek to reside in a more senior-friendly environment.

“BC Housing will select residents for this building through a process that matches individuals with the types of homes and services they require,” as stated on the page.

“Supports for residents may include daily meals, life and employment skills training, and connections to health care and other community services.”

Vancouver city councillor Pete Fry mentioned that the project did not necessitate rezoning and therefore was beyond the city’s jurisdiction.

Fry acknowledged the concerns of residents and noted that some of the province’s previous attempts at supportive housing had not been well managed.

However, he expressed confidence in the new facility, highlighting that Connective, the non-profit set to operate the facility, has been in operation for almost a century.

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“Connective is operating facilities through the City of Vancouver and you don’t know about and it’s probably a good thing because they are doing such a good job,” he said.

“People just aren’t aware of them because they aren’t really problem facilities, so I think that’s a testament to the kind of housing they’ve been providing.”

He added that he believes it is crucial to avoid concentrating social services, particularly housing, in the city’s troubled Downtown Eastside.

“There are quite a few homeless people who are living throughout the South Granville Fairview area right now,” he noted.

“The hope is that this could really give some stable housing to some of those people as well.”

It is currently unknown when the Chalmers Lodge will start accepting tenants.

The BC Housing website indicated that it was anticipated to open in the spring of 2024.

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