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1580 Vernon Dr (DP-2020-00837) temporary modular housing development application

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The Director of Planning approved this application, and a Development Permit was issued on March 4, 2021. 

Vancouver is in a housing crisis – more than 2,000 people across the city are experiencing homelessness. People are suffering both physically and mentally. Creating safe, warm housing for people experiencing homelessness in our community continues to be a top priority for the City of Vancouver.

The BC government has committed funding towards the development of temporary modular supportive housing across the province. This funding will allow the City and the Province to address some of the immediate and urgent housing needs of people experiencing homelessness in Vancouver while we also work to deliver more permanent affordable and supportive housing. Temporary modular homes are located on vacant and underused sites across the city and are typically on site for a period up to 10 years.

The Vancouver Affordable Housing Agency (VAHA) has applied to the City of Vancouver for permission to develop the following on this site:

  • Two new three-storey temporary buildings; one containing 52 social housing units and the other containing 46 social housing units, for a total of 98 units, along with five parking spaces having vehicular access from Vernon Drive
  • A total Floor Space Ratio of 0.74 (approximately 5,646 m²)
  • A maximum building height of 12.5m and 12.7m for Building 1 and Building 2 respectively

Under the site’s existing I-2 zoning, the application is “conditional” so it may be permitted. However, it requires the decision of the Director of Planning.

In response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), an extended online question and answer (Q&A) period was held in place of an in-person open house for this project.

Naomi Place is a temporary modular supportive housing building that was completed in March 2020. Here, Julie Roberts, the Executive Director of Community Builders Group, provides a tour of the building. BC Housing has selected Community Builders Group to support residents and manage the buildings for the modular housing proposed for Vernon Drive. Watch to learn about modular housing!



Vancouver is in a housing crisis – more than 2,000 people across the city are experiencing homelessness. People are suffering both physically and mentally. Creating safe, warm housing for people experiencing homelessness in our community continues to be a top priority for the City of Vancouver.

The BC government has committed funding towards the development of temporary modular supportive housing across the province. This funding will allow the City and the Province to address some of the immediate and urgent housing needs of people experiencing homelessness in Vancouver while we also work to deliver more permanent affordable and supportive housing. Temporary modular homes are located on vacant and underused sites across the city and are typically on site for a period up to 10 years.

The Vancouver Affordable Housing Agency (VAHA) has applied to the City of Vancouver for permission to develop the following on this site:

  • Two new three-storey temporary buildings; one containing 52 social housing units and the other containing 46 social housing units, for a total of 98 units, along with five parking spaces having vehicular access from Vernon Drive
  • A total Floor Space Ratio of 0.74 (approximately 5,646 m²)
  • A maximum building height of 12.5m and 12.7m for Building 1 and Building 2 respectively

Under the site’s existing I-2 zoning, the application is “conditional” so it may be permitted. However, it requires the decision of the Director of Planning.

In response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), an extended online question and answer (Q&A) period was held in place of an in-person open house for this project.

Naomi Place is a temporary modular supportive housing building that was completed in March 2020. Here, Julie Roberts, the Executive Director of Community Builders Group, provides a tour of the building. BC Housing has selected Community Builders Group to support residents and manage the buildings for the modular housing proposed for Vernon Drive. Watch to learn about modular housing!



The Director of Planning approved this application, and a Development Permit was issued on March 4, 2021. 

Q&A is available from December 7 to 13, 2020.

Q & A replaces in-person open houses, which are on hold due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). 

We post all questions as-is and reply here within two business days. To find out when we reply to your questions, sign in or register.

To make a comment instead, use the comment form.

  • Share Which service provider has been ntended to run this TMH? Who will be selected as residents? Will everyone be from the area? What will be the mix of residents? Will there be a Community Advisory Committee and/or a good neighbour agreement? Do you see any opportunity to provide support services to people in the area who are in RVs and other vehicles? Support services can be things like showers, meals, RV utilities for water, charging stations and so on? on Facebook Share Which service provider has been ntended to run this TMH? Who will be selected as residents? Will everyone be from the area? What will be the mix of residents? Will there be a Community Advisory Committee and/or a good neighbour agreement? Do you see any opportunity to provide support services to people in the area who are in RVs and other vehicles? Support services can be things like showers, meals, RV utilities for water, charging stations and so on? on Twitter Share Which service provider has been ntended to run this TMH? Who will be selected as residents? Will everyone be from the area? What will be the mix of residents? Will there be a Community Advisory Committee and/or a good neighbour agreement? Do you see any opportunity to provide support services to people in the area who are in RVs and other vehicles? Support services can be things like showers, meals, RV utilities for water, charging stations and so on? on Linkedin Email Which service provider has been ntended to run this TMH? Who will be selected as residents? Will everyone be from the area? What will be the mix of residents? Will there be a Community Advisory Committee and/or a good neighbour agreement? Do you see any opportunity to provide support services to people in the area who are in RVs and other vehicles? Support services can be things like showers, meals, RV utilities for water, charging stations and so on? link

    Which service provider has been ntended to run this TMH? Who will be selected as residents? Will everyone be from the area? What will be the mix of residents? Will there be a Community Advisory Committee and/or a good neighbour agreement? Do you see any opportunity to provide support services to people in the area who are in RVs and other vehicles? Support services can be things like showers, meals, RV utilities for water, charging stations and so on?

    AndyL asked almost 4 years ago

    Thank you for your comments and questions AndyL,

    BC Housing has selected Community Builders Group (CBG), an experienced non-profit housing operator, to support the residents and manage the buildings. You can read CBG’s draft Operations Management Plan here on the shapeyourcity.ca/development page by proceeding to the uploaded Application Documents. The services available to residents include two meals per day and free laundry. The 24/7 tenant support services include individualized support plans, support to attend or receive health services, opportunities for volunteer work, connections to community groups and opportunities for social events. 

    If the Vernon Drive project is approved, anyone who is experiencing homelessness in Vancouver would be able to apply through BC Housing by visiting Orange Hall at 297 E. Hastings or calling 604-648-4270. Tenants would be selected by a team of housing professionals which include staff from BC Housing, the housing operator, the City’s Homelessness Outreach team and Vancouver Coastal Health. Tenanting decisions are made on a person-by-person basis in the best interests of both the person and the community. Local people experiencing homelessness will be prioritized as future residents. People living in RVs are able apply for this housing too.

    If approved, once the building opens, a 24/7 phone number to the building is made available to connect with building management. In addition to a direct line to the building, a Community Advisory Committee would be established with representatives from the community and project partners which would be the avenue to share any issues and opportunities related to the building. Residents can also contact the community liaison at 604-829-9321 to share their comments. This line is currently in place and would be available throughout construction until the building opens, if it is approved.