Vancouver – Little Mountain Redevelopment
The new social housing building at the Little Mountain project site opened in 2015. This is the first part of one of B.C.’s larger social housing redevelopment projects.
Overview
The Little Mountain redevelopment, bounded by 33rd to 37th avenues between Main and Ontario streets, is part of the province’s housing strategy. The project’s aim is to transform an old, low-density property that required major repairs into affordable homes in a mixed-use community.
BC Housing and the City of Vancouver have partnered with Holborn Properties to redevelop the site. The plan is to replace 224 public housing units with a total of 282 new social housing units including 10 units for the Musqueam Nation. There will also be a 69-space childcare facility, a neighbourhood house plus a public plaza and park.
As part of the City of Vancouver’s rezoning, we’re responsible for 234 of the social housing units. The remaining 48 units will be owned by the City of Vancouver. Any replacement social housing units above and beyond those allocated to returning residents will be rented at rates no higher than rents that are affordable to households with incomes below CMHC’s Housing Income Limits.
MOU Between BC Housing, the City of Vancouver, and Holborn Properties
In September 2021, BC Housing, the City of Vancouver, and Holborn Properties signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at accelerating construction of social housing at the Little Mountain redevelopment in Vancouver. The MOU outlines the commitment of BC Housing, the City, and Holborn to work together to expedite construction of all housing units in development at the Little Mountain site, with the non-market housing prioritized.
Non-market housing
The first new social housing building at Little Mountain opened in April 2015. The five-storey building has 47 one-bedroom and six two-bedroom apartments. Managed by More Than a Roof Society, the building also includes an amenity room, a community garden, patio space, and a bicycle and scooter storage room. A 62-unit rental housing project for families is currently under construction and scheduled for occupancy in late 2024. In summer 2024, construction on two additional non-market buildings started. Their expected completion date is 2026.
Resources
- City of Vancouver Little Mountain site planning program
- Little Mountain purchase and sale agreement FOI
- BC Housing’s Guiding Principles for Housing Redevelopment
Our Commitments to Tenants
BC Housing is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for tenants who are returning to the site.
Former tenants will get to choose whether they want to move into a new home at Little Mountain before anyone else.
BC Housing will pay for reasonable moving costs. This can include hiring movers and reconnecting utilities like telephone and cable.
When tenants move into their new home, they will continue to have the same rental agreement unless their income of family size has changed.
Please check this webpage for news about upcoming engagement opportunities, and contact communityrelations@bchousing.org with your questions.