Latest modular housing for the homeless project approved for Olympic Village

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      Modular housing for the homeless is coming to Olympic Village.

      Today (April 9), the City of Vancouver approved the construction of a temporary structure that will consist of 52 units for the intersection of West 2nd Avenue and Ash Street.

      “This development will provide safe and stable housing for individuals who are presently homeless, with the priority being homeless people living in the local neighbourhood,” reads a city media release. “The homes are part of a $66 million commitment from the Government of British Columbia towards building 600 new units of temporary modular housing to address the immediate needs of homeless residents in Vancouver.”

      Several modular-housing projects are already under construction or completed. Those are located at 7430 Heath Street, 1131 Franklin Street, 525 Powell Street, and 220 Terminal Avenue. A site at 4480 Kaslo Street is awaiting a development permit. Finally, a parcel of land at Little Mountain, near Main and 35th Avenue, is being discussed for modular housing and presently at the proposal stage.

      The site that received approval today is located at 595 West 2nd Street, adjacent the Canada Line station near the Cambie Street Bridge. According to the city’s release, each unit will be 320 square feet and come with its own bathroom, kitchenette, and a small living area that doubles as a bedroom. Six of the 52 units will be wheelchair accessible.

      “The building will also include a large amenity space with a commercial kitchen to encourage social interaction and provide a communal space for the residents to gather,” the release continues. “There will also be common laundry facilities, an administration office, and meeting rooms for the staff and residents to use to provide support for the residents in an independent but supported lifestyle.”

      City of Vancouver

      Construction is scheduled to begin later this month with the hope that tenants can move in by August 2018.

      The modular-housing site will be managed by PHS Community Services Society (better known as Portland Hotel Society), which operates more than a dozen supportive-housing buildings in Vancouver and Victoria.

      The city’s release states that approval for 595 West 2nd Street followed two community meetings that were attended by 280 people.

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