The federal and provincial governments are partnering with the private sector to renovate 13 provincially owned single-room-occupancy (SRO) hotels in the Downtown Eastside over the next 15 years.
Ottawa will provide $29.1 million and Victoria will add $87.3 million.
The upgrades are aimed at providing access to clean and safe social housing.
A request for proposals has been issued to find a private-sector operator, which will design, build, maintain and finance the project. Risks associated with the project will be transferred to the private partner.
“The SRO renewal will improve living conditions for the residents and restore the heritage value of these century-old buildings,” said B.C.’s housing minister Rich Coleman.
“With about 900 residents, these buildings have an important role in our efforts to help those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness find stability and a safe, clean, affordable home.”
Buildings set for the renovations include:
- Beacon Hotel at 7 West Hastings Street;
- Cordova Residence/Cordova Rooms at 56 Cordova Street East;
- Dominion Hotel at 210 Abbott Street;
- Gastown Hotel at 110 Water Street;
- Hazelwood Hotel at 344 East Hastings Street;
- Marble Arch Hotel at 518 Richards Street;
- Marr Hotel at 401 Powell Street;
- Orange Hall at 329-341 Gore Avenue;
- Roosevelt/Molson's Bank Building at 166 East Hastings Street;
- Sunrise Hotel at 101 East Hastings Street;
- Tamura House at 398 Powell Street;
- The Rice Block at 404 Hawks Street; and
- Washington Hotel at 177-179 East Hastings Street.
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