Vancouver, BC; July 26, 2022 – The following is a statement from Mayor Kennedy Stewart following Council approval of a BC Housing affordable housing proposal at 8th and Arbutus, which will provide 129 new homes with supports for women, adults, seniors and people with disabilities who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness: 

“As more and more neighbours are pushed to the streets due to a lack of supportive housing, this project provides hope of a better way forward. 129 residents will soon have their own place to call home, with wrap-around services which will ensure they are well supported.

At a time when outdoor encampments continue to grow, today’s approval shows how we can build a more compassionate city where housing for everyone is available in all neighbourhoods.

Over the past four years, I have worked hard to secure funding to build the housing and services we need to reduce homelessness and support those suffering with mental health and addictions issues.

Thanks to our partnership with senior levels of government, we have opened 1,100 non-market housing units at shelter rates, secured funding for 1,100 modular homes, and brought over 700 private Single Room Occupancy Hotel units into public ownership. These 129 new supportive homes from BC Housing are another important step forward towards ensuring every person has a right to safe and decent housing.

This is, and continues to be, the best path forward in the fight against homelessness.”