Mixed-Use Development a Collaborative Response to Community Crisis

HDR is working with BC Housing, the City of Vancouver and Vancouver Coastal Health to build approximately 100 affordable rental homes, as well as a new withdrawal management centre for people seeking treatment for addictions.

The goal of the project is to address both the urgent housing needs of British Columbians and the health needs of people living with addiction issues. Through a mixed-use development, the project will provide homes for the people who need it most, while also reaching out to the larger community with essential addictions services, resulting in long-term and comprehensive solutions for people in Vancouver.

A new evidence-based withdrawal management centre within the planned complex will replace Vancouver Coastal Health’s current withdrawal management services facility on East 2nd Ave. It will include a range of enhanced services such as inpatient and outpatient withdrawal management, and sobering and at-home withdrawal management, which are trauma-informed and culturally appropriate.

Approximately 20 new spaces of short-term transitional housing are also included in the plans for people who have completed detox, so they can continue receiving access to supports and health services while they transition into longer-term housing and treatment for substance use.

The proposed mixed-use redevelopment is a collaborative response to the housing crisis and the health-care needs of the community. It will serve those with low- to moderate-incomes and include a social enterprise space for local residents, focusing on Indigenous healing and wellness through employment and alignment with culturally informed treatment.

HDR is working with BC Housing, Vancouver Coastal Health, and the City of Vancouver to explore site opportunities and prepare conceptual plan options, facilitate community consultation, and assist in obtaining development permits with the City of Vancouver.