Downtown Eastside Housing
Proposed changes to increase social and below-market rental housing
The City of Vancouver is proposing policy changes to increase housing options in the Downtown Eastside (DTES), including for those living in Single Room Occupancy buildings (SROs).
This follows City Council direction to explore policy updates that would make it easier for governments, non-profits, and the private sector to build social housing and accelerate SRO replacement. These proposed changes align with the vision of the 2014 DTES Plan to build diverse housing options for various income levels, including more market rental. The proposed changes aim to create a mixed income community, and improving the quality of life for low-income residents.
How to get involved
Your feedback along with other information will help shape our proposed actions. Share your thoughts by:
- Reading the information boards [PDF, 8 MB] or a summary of the proposed changes [PDF, 2 MB].
- Completing the survey by end of day Friday, May 16.
- Attending our in-person information session on Monday, May 12, from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Japanese Hall (487 Alexander Street).
- Signing up for our mailing list to get updates directly to your inbox.
In addition to the public session, we are hosting workshops for organizations, property owners, or groups serving or based in the Downtown Eastside, including:
- In-person session on Tuesday, May 6, from 1 pm to 3:30 pm (signup via Eventbrite).
- Online session on Wednesday, May 14, from 10 am to 12 pm held via Microsoft Teams (signup via Eventbrite).
- Online sessions for non-profit housing providers and private developers. If you represent a non-profit housing provider or developer, please email us at housingpolicy@vancouver.ca to receive an invitation for those specific workshops.
- Office hours will be available to answer questions from property owners about the proposal during a pre-booked short phone call or virtual meeting on Tuesday, May 13 or Friday, May 16.
Next steps
Staff will review and summarize responses into an engagement summary report. The report will be posted online in the coming months. Feedback from the public and interest holders along with other inputs will be used to inform recommended housing policy changes. Proposed changes will be presented to Council by the end of 2025.
