An affordable housing project is slated for a vacant lot on East Hastings near Glen Drive on the edge of the Downtown Eastside.
BC Housing is partnering with the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Society and the City of Vancouver to submit a rezoning for a vacant lot at 1015 Hastings Street, adjacent to the Strathcona Village condominium development. The site also borders a rail track that leads to the Port of Vancouver.
The new building, which appears to be approximately 13 storeys, based on a rendering released by BC Housing, will include shelter beds, market rental and affordable, non-market rental units.
It will consist of:
- 80 permanent shelter beds for people and families experiencing homelessness, operated by the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Society;
- 25 homes with supports for people who are ready to move from the shelter to more independent living;
- 85 new affordable rental homes for low-income families and individuals; and
- 53 new market rental homes.
BC Housing states: “Through architecture, design, and programming, the building will celebrate the area’s rich and vibrant Indigenous history and traditions. It will honour and respect the elders, adults, youth and families that live in the area. Community events and gatherings hosted at the building will help neighbours connect to each other and people from all cultural backgrounds will be invited to express and share their culture.”
The architect for the project is not yet known.
An information session is planned for March 31, 2020. Details about the information session can be found on BC Housing’s Let’s Talk page: www.letstalkhousingbc.ca/1015EHastings
