The City of Vancouver is nearing its goal to build a total of 600 temporary modular housing units, through provincial government funding, with an announcement Wednesday that identifies 688 Cambie St. as the next site being considered.
Two buildings, each with about 50 units, are proposed for the property, which is currently an empty parking lot.
In 2013, city council approved two-thirds of the land at 688 Cambie St. for the new Vancouver Art Gallery. The proposed temporary modular housing project won’t delay or impede its construction, according to the city. Currently, the site is often used for filming and by special event organizations.
The city aims to see that the proposed layout of the temporary modular housing buildings enables groups to continue to use some of the site.
If the project ultimately gets the green light, it would bring the total units approved up to 400, only 200 shy of the target. Last September, the provincial government announced $66 million in funding for modular housing units in Vancouver to house the homeless — a total of 2,000 units are being built across B.C. The Cambie Street location is the seventh site named. Six other sites are in various stages of development.
Two complexes in Marpole, at 7430 and 7460 Heather St., which house 78 units, have been open for a few months. Tenanting is underway for 39 units at 1131 Franklin St., while another 39 units have been built at 525 Powell St. A 52-unit complex is under construction at 4480 Kaslo St. and construction on a 52-unit complex at 595 and 599 West Second Ave. is expected to start soon.
A complex at Little Mountain at East 37th near Main Street is in the development permit stage.
The site at 688 Cambie St. is also subject to the development permit application process.
The City of Vancouver indicated, in a May 9 press release, that it’s started to connect with local residents, businesses, schools and community groups about the proposed plans.
Community information sessions will also be held.
The feedback that's collected will inform the Director of Planning’s consideration of the development permit, and provide BC Housing and the non-profit operator with community feedback on the proposed operation of the buildings.
The non-profit operator would staff the building 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The city is working with its partners to find more vacant or underused sites to accomodate another 200 units.
More information about modular housing can be found on the City of Vancouver’s website here.
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