New supportive housing coming for homeless in Vancouver, province and city says

The B.C. government and City of Vancouver are partnering to build 450 new supportive homes for people experiencing homelessness.

Housing Minister Selina Robinson and Mayor Kennedy Stewart announced plans to build 98 temporary modular homes just a few blocks from Strathcona Park where a homeless encampment has been growing.

Another 350 units of permanent supportive housing are planned for other city-owned lands with locations to be announced in the next few months.

The goal is to open the temporary units next spring pending a public information session, and the units will remain in place for about five years with an option to renew the lease for another five.

Stewart says the COVID-19 crisis and physical distancing measures have reduced space in places like shelters, dealing another blow to some of the city's most vulnerable people.

He says the city plans to move people camping at Strathcona Park into housing in a similar process as was undertaken at Oppenheimer Park.