Photo credit: globalnews.ca

Transforming Granville Street: Reactions to Homeless Housing Initiative

Ministers responsible for housing and community safety in British Columbia are acknowledging the need for change following claims from bar owners within Vancouver’s entertainment district. They assert that the province’s decision to convert a former Howard Johnson hotel into a homeless shelter has drastically altered the environment on Granville Street.

The province acquired the 110-room hotel located at 1176 Granville Street in June 2020 for $55 million, aiming to provide housing for individuals displaced from encampments, particularly those facing serious mental health and substance use challenges.

Since the opening of the supportive housing, issues such as rampant drug use, visible street disorder, and increased violence have presented significant challenges. Operators of several nightclubs in the area report a dramatic drop in business—around 60 percent—due to these escalating concerns.

Atira, the organization overseeing the supportive housing, currently runs what is now termed the ‘Luugat’ single-room occupancy (SRO) hotel. ABC Vancouver Councillor Peter Meiszner expressed his dissatisfaction with the facility’s management during a recent event. “The way this building is being operated is unacceptable,” he stated, highlighting the challenges faced by both residents and the surrounding community. He called for immediate improvements to alleviate the issues arising from frequent emergency calls and ongoing maintenance problems, including numerous water leaks.

Meiszner emphasized the need for a long-term strategy to replace the current Luugat SRO with new self-contained social housing units, advocating for better living conditions for residents and improved safety for the community.

Barlike Atmosphere Declines Ahead of Major Events

Bar owners have lamented that Granville Street is experiencing its worst conditions in decades as the city anticipates the influx of visitors for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mike Morissette, owner of Twelve West Nightclub, voiced concerns about the city’s image during such a significant event, stating, “There’s nothing worse than a boarded window… where are they going to feel safe?”

Echoing Morissette’s sentiments, Dave Kershaw from Cabana Nightclub called for a comprehensive provincial strategy to tackle mental health and substance abuse issues, reiterating that the current measures are inadequate for addressing the complexities of the situation.

B.C.’s housing minister defended the decision to repurpose the Howard Johnson, asserting that the move was strategic in addressing the housing crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ravi Kahlon explained, “We took action at the time to solve a major crisis,” suggesting that the initiative has potentially saved lives. He recognizes the ongoing challenges of finding suitable locations for vulnerable individuals and mentioned that a significant portion of residents at the Luugat are seniors, who will be prioritized for future housing options.

In a move to improve conditions, Vancouver-Yaletown MLA and Minister of State for Community Safety Terry Yung promised to engage with Granville Street business owners to address their concerns. He announced an investment of $5 million in a pilot program focused on enhancing community safety in light of the disorder affecting the area.

Meiszner underscored the city’s commitment to revitalizing Granville Street as a nightlife hotspot, stating, “We can’t afford to lose the Granville entertainment district. This is an iconic street for decades.” The city remains eager to balance the needs of the community’s most vulnerable while sustaining the vibrancy that Granville Street is known for.

Source
globalnews.ca