Vancouver – West 8th Avenue at Arbutus Street

Artist’s rendering of the new building on West 8th Avenue at Arbutus Street

Artist’s rendering – design subject to change

New warm, safe homes with supports on West 8th Avenue at Arbutus Street

Vancouver is in a housing crisis and more than 2,000 people across the city of Vancouver are experiencing homelessness.

BC Housing, the City of Vancouver and MPA Society are proposing to build a new 13-storey building with 129 studio homes at 2086 and 2098 West 7th Avenue and 2091 West 8th Avenue in Vancouver.

These homes would address Vancouver’s urgent need for affordable and supportive housing and prevent people from experiencing homelessness.

  • All of the homes would be studio apartments with a private bathroom and kitchen.
  • All of the homes would be affordable rentals. Approximately half will include support services such as daily meals, life and employment skills training, connections to health care and other community services as well as recreational and cultural programs.
  • At least 5% of the homes would be fully accessible.
  • The building would include amenities such as laundry, a dining area and program space.
  • The building would include an underground parkade.

Rezoning and Development

Following early community engagement on this proposal, BC Housing submitted a rezoning application to the City of Vancouver in October 2021. Vancouver City Council approved the rezoning in principle on July 26, 2022.

A Development Permit is also required for this project. BC Housing submitted a Development Permit application in November 2022. The City of Vancouver’s Development Permit Board approved the application with conditions on August 21, 2023.

Non-profit operator

MPA Society was selected through a competitive process as the non-profit operator for this housing project.

For over 50 years, MPA has facilitated housing and support services in the Vancouver area. Their work includes advocacy, community resources and homeless outreach. MPA employs over 400 staff and serves over 1,400 members across 10 municipalities, including six programs in the Kitsilano neighbourhood.

Learn more about MPA Society by visiting mpa-society.org.

Community Engagement

Early Engagement – March 2021

BC Housing and the City of Vancouver hosted several Neighbourhood Dialogue Sessions and an online Public Comment Period in March 2021. These engagement activities allowed us to gather the community’s feedback about this project before applying for rezoning. We invited comments on:

  • Site design, building design and elements such as lighting and landscaping
  • Interest in participating in the Community Advisory Committee
  • Ideas for how to support the success of the building

View the Early Engagement Summary Report (PDF).

Rezoning Application– November 2021 to June 2022

The City of Vancouver gathered public feedback on the rezoning application during:

  • A Virtual Open House from November 1 to 21, 2021 on shapeyourcity.ca.

  • Public Hearings on June 28, 29, 30, July 15 and 25, 2022.

Development Permit Application – June to August 2023

The City of Vancouver posted a new sign on the site. A public comment period was open between June 14 and July 5, 2023 on shapeyourcity.ca. Public comments were also heard at the Development Permit Board review on August 21, 2023.

Questions and Comments

Questions and comments about the project can be submitted at any time through the form below.

You may also contact the Community Liaison by calling 604-829-9321 or emailing communityliaison@bchousing.org.

Artist’s rendering – design subject to change

New warm, safe homes with supports on West 8th Avenue at Arbutus Street

Vancouver is in a housing crisis and more than 2,000 people across the city of Vancouver are experiencing homelessness.

BC Housing, the City of Vancouver and MPA Society are proposing to build a new 13-storey building with 129 studio homes at 2086 and 2098 West 7th Avenue and 2091 West 8th Avenue in Vancouver.

These homes would address Vancouver’s urgent need for affordable and supportive housing and prevent people from experiencing homelessness.

  • All of the homes would be studio apartments with a private bathroom and kitchen.
  • All of the homes would be affordable rentals. Approximately half will include support services such as daily meals, life and employment skills training, connections to health care and other community services as well as recreational and cultural programs.
  • At least 5% of the homes would be fully accessible.
  • The building would include amenities such as laundry, a dining area and program space.
  • The building would include an underground parkade.

Rezoning and Development

Following early community engagement on this proposal, BC Housing submitted a rezoning application to the City of Vancouver in October 2021. Vancouver City Council approved the rezoning in principle on July 26, 2022.

A Development Permit is also required for this project. BC Housing submitted a Development Permit application in November 2022. The City of Vancouver’s Development Permit Board approved the application with conditions on August 21, 2023.

Non-profit operator

MPA Society was selected through a competitive process as the non-profit operator for this housing project.

For over 50 years, MPA has facilitated housing and support services in the Vancouver area. Their work includes advocacy, community resources and homeless outreach. MPA employs over 400 staff and serves over 1,400 members across 10 municipalities, including six programs in the Kitsilano neighbourhood.

Learn more about MPA Society by visiting mpa-society.org.

Community Engagement

Early Engagement – March 2021

BC Housing and the City of Vancouver hosted several Neighbourhood Dialogue Sessions and an online Public Comment Period in March 2021. These engagement activities allowed us to gather the community’s feedback about this project before applying for rezoning. We invited comments on:

  • Site design, building design and elements such as lighting and landscaping
  • Interest in participating in the Community Advisory Committee
  • Ideas for how to support the success of the building

View the Early Engagement Summary Report (PDF).

Rezoning Application– November 2021 to June 2022

The City of Vancouver gathered public feedback on the rezoning application during:

  • A Virtual Open House from November 1 to 21, 2021 on shapeyourcity.ca.

  • Public Hearings on June 28, 29, 30, July 15 and 25, 2022.

Development Permit Application – June to August 2023

The City of Vancouver posted a new sign on the site. A public comment period was open between June 14 and July 5, 2023 on shapeyourcity.ca. Public comments were also heard at the Development Permit Board review on August 21, 2023.

Questions and Comments

Questions and comments about the project can be submitted at any time through the form below.

You may also contact the Community Liaison by calling 604-829-9321 or emailing communityliaison@bchousing.org.

Please share comments with the project team.

If you have a comment about the proposed supportive housing project, please complete the form below.

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  • I am currently living 1 block away from the proposed development. Is there a plan for a better consultation process? This feels like it is being rammed in. The proposed development is way too large for this area. The proposed plan is dangerous with the nearby school, daycare, and playground. Are there plans for expanding the consultation period? You keep repeating that these are not "low barrier" SRO's though the proposed rooms are just that. Supportive housing includes supporting those who have mental illness and those who are trying to recover from drug or alcohol addictions. These residents are wholly inappropriate for a building next door to a school, daycare, and playground. There was increased theft, house break ins, assault, and car break-ins in neighbourhoods in Vancouver where similar buildings have been placed, such as Olympic Village, Yaletown, and East Vancouver. There are many low income people who do not have substance abuse issues who are in desperate need of housing, such as Seniors and Families. In fact your link includes examples of houses dedicated to low income seniors. Due to its proximity to the school and the many seniors in the area, the proposed housing type should be for residents who do not suffer from substance abuse issues. A housing development dedicated to seniors and families would be much more welcomed in this area.

    Arbutus Neighbour asked over 3 years ago

    Hi Arbutus Neighbour, 

    We are in the early phase of public consultation. This is a proposed project and we are providing many opportunities for people to provide input. You can:   

    Feedback submitted through these channels will be considered in the development of the rezoning application. 

    The project is in early stages and BC Housing has not yet submitted a rezoning application to the City of Vancouver. Once BC housing submits a rezoning application to the City, there will be a City-led consultation that will include an online Open House and Public Hearing. 

    Please note that if approved, these would be homes with supports, not an SRO.

    Sincerely, Skylar 

  • I think it is important to have this housing project. What sorts of supports will there be?

    Michelle29 asked over 1 year ago

    Hello there- thank you for your supportive email. The proposal has been changed to include both supportive housing units, as well as affordable rental units for people on a very low income who are able to live independently. Based on examining the need in Vancouver, both City staff and BC Housing feel this new operating model will meet a broader range of housing needs in the community. 

     

    The supportive housing units will have wraparound supports including, but not limited to: 

    • Self-contained units, or private rooms, with doors that lock in an apartment-style building
    • Private or shared bathroom and kitchen
    • Meal program
    • Access to laundry facilities
    • Access to support staff – 24/7
    • Training for life skills, employment skills
    • Referrals to other community services
    • Access to health supports

    I hope that this is helpful for you.

  • For supportive housing, each potential resodent gets a Vulnerability Assessment Tool (VAT) The ranges of VAT's indicated the level of vulnerability of the residents and can vary from site to site. What will be the range of VAT's at this site and what proportion of the different VAT levels will be there.

    Jane asked over 3 years ago

    Hi Jane 

    All supportive housing programs are managed by non-profit housing operators that bring expertise providing customized supports tailored to meet the unique needs of each resident. For more on the types of supports provided, please visit: 

    https://letstalkhousingbc.ca/16664/widgets/80065/documents/49574 

    Sincerely,

    Skylar 

     

  • 1. Multiple replies have been made by Community Liason concering this site : " There will not be a public safe injection site. " OK, got it, the general public will not be allowed to use these facilities to inject drugs. But what about residents of the proposed facility? Will residents be provided with supervised consumption services for injected drugs or methadone, etc? 2. What is the height of the proposed building, and what are the current building height restrictions in that area?

    Neighbour Fred asked over 3 years ago

    Hi Fred, 

    • BC Housing takes a harm reduction approach, which means staff are available to support any residents who are in various phases of substance use. When tenants are ready to make a change, staff on-site will connect them with the appropriate support services.  
    • The project is in early stages and BC Housing has not yet submitted a rezoning application to the City of Vancouver.  Once BC housing submits a rezoning application to the City, there will be a further City-led consultation that will include an online Open House and Public Hearing, where building design elements such as height will be considered.  

    Sincerely, Skylar 

  • Are we not called upon to help the most vulnerable in society? ___ We believe NO new housing in Vancouver, and especially those planned for in family oriented neighbourhoods, should exclude the most vulnerable including women and women-led families. This site at Arbutus and 8th, surrounded by a toddler park, green way, preschool, elementary school and neighbourhood house presents the perfect opportunity to envelop them in the support they may need to transition out of the hardship and fear they face and into a safer, supported environment. ___ Just a couple searches in one afternoon and I found out the following facts: - 22% of Vancouver's homeless population are women. - 39% of these at minimum are Indigenous - more than 1 in 50 of these women are accompanied by a child on the street others are known to be excluded from the homeless count as they are couch surfing. - 75% of all homeless women and those with children seeking shelter in transition homes in Canada are turned away for lack of space. - the primary reasons women and women-led families do not opt to stay in SROs is for fear of harm, harassment and even murder ___ Who's with us and will stand in the gap for Vancouver's most vulnerable women and children? Wouldn't a good news story be nice for a change?

    CharleneKettlewell asked over 3 years ago

    Hi Charlene, 

    Thank you for comments. This proposed supportive housing would not exclude women. The homes at W 8th and Arbutus are proposed to be supportive housing which is designed for adults who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. BC Housing is also creating thousands of new homes across the province for families, women fleeing violence, seniors, and people with disabilities.  

    BC Housing works in partnership with the private and non-profit sectors, provincial health authorities and ministries, other levels of government, and community groups to develop a range of housing options.

    We work to address critical gaps across the housing continuum, which range from emergency shelter and rent assistance in the private market to affordable home ownership.

    Sincerely, Skylar 

     

  • Hi Skylar, thank you for your work on this. You recently responded to another question with the following response: "More than 200 provincially-funded supportive housing sites across the province are in close proximity to schools and more than half of them have been operating for more than 10 years." Can you please provide a list of the names of these specific sites and respective actual distances to the schools in question? Please don't bother re-circulating the same general link as you have in previous responses to similar questions. Thank you.

    Very Concerned Parent asked over 3 years ago

    Hi Very Concerned Parent, 

    There are supportive housing projects in communities across British Columbia. For some examples, please visit: https://www.bchousing.org/news/community-stories 

    BC Housing also has a research centre that can be publicly accessed here: https://www.bchousing.org/research-centre 

    Sincerely, 

    Skylar 

  • Hello Skylar, This morning on CKNW , David Eby stated that this project has been approved by the city. Is this project already approved by the Mayor and Vancouver City Councillors and when was that approval given? The lack of transparency on this project is very concerning. Please provide what arrangement BC housing and the City of Vancouver has already agreed to in regard to this 12 story SRO project on Arbutus and 8th Avenue.

    Concerned Asks asked over 3 years ago

    Hi Concerned Asks,

    The West 8th Arbutus supportive housing project and the East King Edward Avenue are the first two proposals being put forward by BC Housing, as part of a joint agreement between the Province and the City of Vancouver to build at least 350 new permanent supportive homes. What has not yet been approved is the rezoning.

    Minister Eby was speaking in reference to the confirmed and signed agreement in place between the Province, through BC Housing, and the City of Vancouver to build 350 new supportive homes in the coming years. The locations for these new homes have not been confirmed or approved by the City yet.

    Both of these proposals are in the early stages. BC Housing is currently seeking community feedback and questions. The next step for these sites will include BC Housing submitting applications for rezoning to the City of Vancouver. This will be followed by a public hearing in several months where the community will have the opportunity to share their feedback with Mayor and Council – before a decision is made about these two sites.  

    Sincerely, 

    Skylar

  • Why did BC Housing deicide to target this location for single space dwelling? If this is the desired location (so close to schools) why not target families and multi room dwelling similar to the location on Laurel and 7th?

    Nic asked over 3 years ago

    Hello Nic,

    BC Housing works in partnership with the private and non-profit sectors, provincial health authorities and ministries, other levels of government and community groups to develop a range of housing options.

    We work to address critical gaps across the housing continuum, which range from emergency shelter and rent assistance in the private market to affordable home ownership. The homes at W 8th and Arbutus are proposed to be supportive housing which is designed for adults who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. BC Housing is also creating thousands of new homes across the province for families, women fleeing violence, seniors and people with disabilities.
     

    For more information on the range of housing BC Housing builds, please see the summary of homes created here: https://www.bchousing.org/about/our-organization

    Thank you,

    Community Liaison 

  • Why are single parents excluded from this supportive housing building?

    Concerned Asks asked over 3 years ago

    BC Housing works in partnership with the private and non-profit sectors, provincial health authorities and ministries, other levels of government and community groups to develop a range of housing options.

    We work to address critical gaps across the housing continuum, which range from emergency shelter and rent assistance in the private market to affordable home ownership. The homes at W 8th and Arbutus are proposed to be supportive housing which is designed for adults who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. BC Housing is also creating thousands of new homes across the province for families, women fleeing violence, seniors and people with disabilities.
    For more information on the range of housing BC Housing builds, please see the summary of homes created here: https://www.bchousing.org/about/our-organization

    Thank you,

    Community Liaison 

  • The supportive housing proposal is being met with much criticism and what appears to be opposition from local residents. Does this mean Kitsilano neighbours do not want to help the homeless?? Of course they do, but the logistics of placing a twelve story building directly adjacent to a school and park is poor planning. The City has rejected the application from a developer for an eleven story building at Broadway and Arbutus and now they are trying to rapidly pass the supportive proposal through, is this a done deal ? The residents that would occupy the 150 resident supportive housing building have individual backgrounds, some with complex drug addictions that would require special medical care by trained professionals. The City does not guarantee safety for the nearby school and this causes fear and apprehension from the schools parents. Children and families should feel safe within their buildings, and in the playground. The nearby Delamont Park, a longtime Kits landmark named after the legendary Kits Boys Band leader, Arthur Delamont is a favourite gathering for families and they deserve to feel safe as well. The heritage buildings of Kits should remain intact or all will be lost to a maze of concrete. So before passing this through, please listen to the community, it’s neighbours, schools, the lasting legacy to the area that many have called home for decades.

    Kits senior asked over 3 years ago

    This proposal is very early in the process and there are many opportunities for people to engage. You can: 

    Feedback submitted through these channels will be considered in the development of the rezoning application. 

    The project is in the early stages and BC Housing has not yet submitted a rezoning application to the City of Vancouver. Once BC Housing submits a rezoning application to the City, there will be a City-led consultation that will include a virtual Open House and a Public Hearing. 

    Sincerely,

    Community Liaison 

Page last updated: 21 Sep 2023, 03:48 PM