Seniors, families and individuals in Vancouver have access to 114 new affordable homes and community services with the opening of Powell Horizons, a new mixed-use building in the Downtown Eastside community.

“Having a safe, affordable home makes a real difference in a person’s life,” said Christine Boyle, B.C. Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “For seniors, families and workers in Vancouver, these 114 new homes mean security, stability and a sense of belonging. We are providing not only housing but also access to community services that will help people thrive.”

Powell Horizons at 508 Powell St. is the result of a partnership between the Province, through BC Housing, the federal government, through the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the City of Vancouver and Lookout Housing and Health Society.

“The federal government is committed to helping communities develop local solutions to housing need and homelessness, and this project demonstrates what can be achieved when all levels of government work together,” said Gregor Robertson, federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. “These 114 homes will provide residents in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside with the security and peace of mind that comes with having an affordable place to live. It’s also another step forward in our bold, ambitious plan to build Canada strong.”

Operated by Lookout, the seven-storey building includes affordable homes on floors 3 to 7, with a mix of micro-dwellings, studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom units. Residents will also have access to two amenity rooms and communal lounges that encourage connection and community. Commercial spaces occupy the second floor.

“Lookout Society is beyond thrilled to open the doors of Powell Horizons to our community,” said Shayne Williams, CEO, Lookout Housing and Health Society. “These new homes, supported by the City of Vancouver, CMHC and BC Housing, are more than housing, they represent community. This is just one step toward meeting the Downtown Eastside’s inclusive housing needs.”

On the first floor, Lookout’s Powell Street Gateway Resource Centre offers more than 7,500 square feet of space for programs, classes and services that promote health, learning and connection, including a commercial kitchen.  

The Province, through BC Housing, is providing more than $10 million from the Building BC: Community Housing Fund and approximately $344,000 in annual operating funding.  The federal government, through the Affordable Housing Fund, is investing nearly $35.9 million for the project. The City of Vancouver contributed approximately $3 million from the Community Housing Incentive Program.

This project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has more than 93,600 homes delivered or underway, including almost 11,800 homes in Vancouver.

Quotes:

Amshen-Joan Phillip, MLA for Vancouver-Strathcona –

“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Powell Horizons is an important step toward building a stronger, more inclusive Vancouver, where people can access housing and services that support their well-being and sense of community.”

George Chow, B.C. parliamentary secretary for Downtown Eastside and Chinatown –

“The Downtown Eastside is a vibrant community that deserves strong support. Powell Horizons delivers affordable homes and essential services that will make a real difference for people who need them most. I’m proud to see this partnership create opportunities for connection, stability and well-being in the heart of Vancouver.”

Ken Sim, mayor of Vancouver –  

“We’re adding more than 100 affordable homes and vital community services where they are needed. This project is a big step forward for Vancouver and it’s a great example of how collaboration can create lasting benefits and strengthen neighbourhoods for seniors, families and individuals across Vancouver.” 

Learn More:

To learn how B.C. is working to deliver more homes for people, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/homesforpeople

A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available here: https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC

To learn how BC Housing is helping to build strong, inclusive communities, visit: https://www.bchousing.org/podcast

For the most-requested Government of Canada housing information, visit: https://canada.ca/housing

A backgrounder follows.