450 new temporary and supportive housing units coming to Vancouver

A new complex containing 98 units of temporary modular housing is coming toVancouver as part of a newly announced effort to address the homeless crisis.

Plans for a further 350 units of permanent supportive housing are also in the works.

B.C.'s ministerof municipal affairs and housing says the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the housing crisis.

"The need for safe, secure housing has never been more clear," said Selina Robinson.

"These new homes with wraparound supports will make areal difference for hundreds of people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, givingthem a place of their own where they can stabilize and rebuild their lives."

The City of Vancouver is providing land for the projects while the province is funding capital and operating costs.

The temporary modular units are slated to be built at 1580 Vernon Drive in East Vancouver and complete by spring 2021.

The location of the 350 supportive units was not announced. Vancouversaid the planning and permitting process would be expedited to allow construction to take place quickly.

"We all know there is only one way to tackle homelessness build housing, lots of housing and build it quickly," said Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart.

Vancouver's most recent homelessness flash point is inStrathcona Park where over 300 tents were erected this summer.

Stewart said more housing units could be built if the federal government followed through oncommitmentsto help end street homelessness.

"Something that would really help here is if the federal government got on board," he said. "There is money sitting in a bank account in Ottawa, stuck because of bureaucratic red tape."