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Engagement with renters conducted by the City in 2021 identified legal education and advice on tenant rights as important services that renters are seeking. TRAC is a key organization in Vancouver dedicated to providing free legal education and advocacy for renters on residential tenancy matters.
The lease to TRAC will support improved access to services for renters that assist in preventing evictions, displacement from communities and, in some cases, homelessness.
As part of the agreement with TRAC, portions of the space at 900 Howe Street will be rented to additional agencies and organizations to deliver complementary services to renters – building towards a vision of a robust ‘Renter Services Centre’ with multiple co-located agencies.
With Council’s approval of Tenant Improvements to 900 Howe Street, renovations are set to take place throughout 2023, and TRAC anticipates moving their operations to 900 Howe Street as early as Spring 2024.
Alignment with City Strategies:
City support for renter services at 900 Howe Street aligns with the Housing Vancouver Strategy, Framework for City of Reconciliation, Equity Framework, Accessibility Strategy and Spaces to Thrive: Vancouver Social Infrastructure Strategy.
Engagement with renters conducted by the City in 2021 identified legal education and advice on tenant rights as important services that renters are seeking. TRAC is a key organization in Vancouver dedicated to providing free legal education and advocacy for renters on residential tenancy matters.
The lease to TRAC will support improved access to services for renters that assist in preventing evictions, displacement from communities and, in some cases, homelessness.
As part of the agreement with TRAC, portions of the space at 900 Howe Street will be rented to additional agencies and organizations to deliver complementary services to renters – building towards a vision of a robust ‘Renter Services Centre’ with multiple co-located agencies.
With Council’s approval of Tenant Improvements to 900 Howe Street, renovations are set to take place throughout 2023, and TRAC anticipates moving their operations to 900 Howe Street as early as Spring 2024.
Alignment with City Strategies:
City support for renter services at 900 Howe Street aligns with the Housing Vancouver Strategy, Framework for City of Reconciliation, Equity Framework, Accessibility Strategy and Spaces to Thrive: Vancouver Social Infrastructure Strategy.
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In the fall of 2021, we asked you about your experiences accessing services to help you find and keep your rental home, and how a Renter Services Centre could best help meet your needs as a renter. We engaged over 600 renters with a diversity of lived experiences through a survey and focus groups. 37 organizations that support Vancouver renters also shared their ideas and feedback. Learn more in the What We Heard engagement summary and appendix.
Project timeline
Spring – Fall 2021: Early exploration
Renter Services at 900 Howe Street has finished this stage
Engagement with renters and renter-serving organizations to get a better understanding of the level of interest in a Renter Services Centre and key service needs, and to identify barriers to accessing services for renters.
Fall 2021 – Spring 2022: Feasibility study
Renter Services at 900 Howe Street has finished this stage
The Feasibility Study identified a vision for a Renter Services Centre, as well as identifying and evaluating options to achieve that vision, including financial viability and sustainable operations.
A Project Advisory Committee, with members from renter-serving organizations and renters, provided advice and expertise during this phase.
Spring 2022: Update to Council
Renter Services at 900 Howe Street has finished this stage
Renter Services at 900 Howe Street has finished this stage
Work was conducted on ‘next steps’ and recommendations to implement community-based renter services at 900 Howe Street, based on the findings of the Feasibility Study.
Early 2023: Report to Council
Renter Services at 900 Howe Street has finished this stage
On January 18, Council approved a sublease to TRAC as the non-profit operator of a social facility for renter services at #150 and #200 - 900 Howe Street.
Next steps
Renter Services at 900 Howe Street is currently at this stage
TRAC anticipates moving their operations to 900 Howe Street as early as the spring of 2024, after renovations are completed.
