Vancouver, West 8th Avenue at Arbutus Street - Supportive Housing
Artist’s rendering as included in the rezoning application to the City of Vancouver in October 2021. To view the application, go to Shape Your City.
Rezoning application - 2086-2098 W 7th Ave and 2091 W 8th Ave
A rezoning application has been submitted by BC Housing to the City of Vancouver to build approximately 129 new homes with a mix of affordable rental housing and homes with supports, for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Vancouver at 2086 and 2098 West 7th Avenue, 2091 West 8th Avenue.
As part of the rezoning process, the City hosted a virtual open house where residents could review the plans and provide feedback on the rezoning application.
The open house took place from November 1 to November 21 on the City of Vancouver's Shape Your City website.
All comments and feedback related to the rezoning application should be submitted through the City of Vancouver to be considered.
As this housing proposal proceeds through the development process, any changes and adjustments will be reflected in the documents related to the current stage of development. The information below is related to the early engagement process which took place between February 2021 and April 2021. To view the current housing proposal, please visit: Shape Your City.
Council approved this application at the Public Hearing on July 26, 2022.
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.
Creating warm, safe homes in our communities continues to be a top priority for BC Housing and the City of Vancouver.
The new building proposed at 2086 and 2098 West 7th Avenue, 2091 West 8th Avenue would be 12 storeys and provide approximately 129 studio homes.
- All units would be studio apartments with a private bathroom and kitchen
- At least 5% of the homes would be fully accessible
- The building would also include amenities such as laundry, a dining area, program space, and an underground parkade
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. Approximately half of the units would be operated as supportive housing with on-site support services for residents and the other half would be very affordable rental housing for residents who are ready and able to live more independently. The number of units has also decreased to 129 studio homes from 140.
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.
Facts at a Glance
This information is provided by BC Housing to ensure you have timely and accurate information about the supportive housing project proposed for West 8th Avenue at Arbutus Street.
Frequently Asked Questions
To ensure all community members have accurate information on the proposed homes at W 8th Ave and Arbutus St, we’ve compiled answers to the most asked questions received through the community engagement process.
Guidelines for respectful dialogue
- We want to hear from everyone who wants to share their perspective in a safe and respectful way.
- All conversations - in-person, over the phone, and/or online - are meant to be a place where people can share and listen.
- BC Housing is committed to responding as best we can, with the relevant information we have, in a timely manner.
- In order to respond to as many inquiries as possible, we have to deploy our resources equitably. No one person or group can or should expect to monopolize the time and efforts of the project team.
- We expect everyone will refrain from using language or acting in a way that is discriminating, threatening, abusive, racist or otherwise disrespectful. Discrimination or abusive language of any kind will not be tolerated.
Moving forward at 2086 and 2098 West 7th Avenue, 2091 West 8th Avenue
Through the City of Vancouver’s development process, we invite community feedback on aspects of the development proposal, including:
- Building and site design such as lighting and landscaping
- Local representation for the Community Advisory Committee
- Ideas for how to support the success of the building
As with any other development in Vancouver, information about future residents' race, gender, income level, private healthcare needs, or sexual orientation does not factor into City Council’s site decision for site approval.
Non-profit operator
MPA Society has been selected as the non-profit operator for the proposed affordable and supportive housing at W 8th Ave and Arbutus St. The competitive process to choose an operator was run by BC Housing.
Opportunities for community input
Community input and questions can be submitted at any time by emailing communityliaison@bchousing.org(External link) or calling 604-829-9321.
Public comment period
The public comment period was live from March 1 to March 31.
Questions and Answers posted below were received during the Public Comment Period. Any comments received through the online form going forward will be considered in the development of the rezoning application. If you have a question, please contact the Community Liaison.