City and B.C. Housing to host open houses before creating modular housing on Powell, Franklin, and Kaslo streets

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      Mayor Gregor Robertson and B.C Housing are intent on proceeding with more temporary modular housing projects in Vancouver even as the city faces ongoing protests in Marpole. 

      An open house is scheduled on Thursday (December 7) for those interested in learning more about plans to place units at 1115, 1131, and 1141 Franklin Street, as well as at 501 Powell Street.

      It will take place on that day from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buddhist Temple at 220 Jackson Avenue.

      "For these lots it is expected the buildings on each site will be three storeys and between 38 - 52 homes," the city says on its website. "If approved, the buildings will be in place for up to five years, with the possibility to extend another five years."

      There will also be open houses held from 4 to 7 p.m. at the First Hungarian Presbyterian Church (2791 East 27th Avenue) on December 13 and 14.

      This is in advance of temporary modular housing being created at 4410 Kaslo Street. The city website doesn't say how many units would go in that location or for how long.

      In the meantime, demonstrators continued protesting through the weekend against the city and B.C. Housng's decision to place two three-storey temporary buildings at 7430 and 7460 Heather Street in South Vancouver. They will contain 78 temporary modular homes.

      On Friday (December 1), the city, B.C. Housing, and the Provincial Rental Housing Corporation filed court documents for an injunction to enable crews to continue their work unhindered by area residents.

      "While the City respects the residents' right to protest, the temporary modular housing is urgently needed to address the immediate housing needs of Vancouver's homeless residents while more permanent housing is being created, and the City does not want to see it delayed," the city said on its website.

      Earlier this year, the province agreed to spend $66 million on 600 units of temporary modular housing on underused or vacant sites.

      Onni made part of its Pearson-Dogwood development site in Marpole available for the 78 units that have since generated protests.

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