Hundreds of individuals assembled in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) on Saturday night to show solidarity with the homeless population as Mayor Ken Sim’s proposal to halt new supportive housing approaches city council next week. The gathering was part of the nationwide event Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY), which raises funds for local charities aiding those battling extreme poverty, homelessness, and hunger.
Participants braved the harsh weather conditions, walking from 312 Main Street through the DTES, Chinatown, and Downtown Vancouver. Amanda Burrows, the executive director of Vancouver charity First United, highlighted that the event aimed to provide attendees with a glimpse of the struggles faced by unhoused individuals every night.
Burrows emphasized that the fundraiser was crucial for continually raising awareness about the need to do more, rather than less, for the homeless community. In response to the event, the City of Vancouver illuminated City Hall, the Vancouver Convention Centre, and the Burrard Street Bridge in CNOY’s signature blue and yellow colors. However, First United criticized the city’s gesture as “social washing,” accusing it of projecting supportiveness while simultaneously advocating policies that could harm charitable organizations and those they serve.
Burrows pointed out that homelessness in Metro Vancouver has surged by 30% in recent years, contradicting Sim’s motion to freeze supportive housing. While Sim argues that Vancouver shoulders a disproportionate share of supportive housing units in the region, leaked memos revealed a more extensive plan to enhance conditions in the DTES put forth by Sim’s chief of staff, Trevor Ford, last October.
The draft memo proposes expediting private development approvals in the DTES, including utilizing “spot rezoning” when necessary. Additionally, it suggests a comprehensive review of non-profits operating in the area and transferring homelessness service responsibilities to other municipalities within Metro Vancouver. The memo also mentions a “re-unification roundtable” to explore ways to assist Indigenous residents in returning to their home Nations, acknowledging that a significant portion of Vancouver’s homeless population is Indigenous.
Margaret Pfoh, CEO of the Aboriginal Housing Management Association, emphasized the need for solutions tailored by and for Indigenous communities and stressed the importance of culturally informed housing and support services. The revised memo, dated January, underscores collaboration with senior governments and community agencies, omitting the reference to Indigenous residents returning home.
Amidst these developments, Vancouver Coun. Rebecca Bligh, who was recently ousted from Sim’s ABC Party, has publicly opposed the proposed freeze on new supportive housing. Bligh highlighted the negative message a freeze would send, indicating a lack of new units for the current homeless population. She also criticized the lack of transparency in policy-making processes, advocating for public debates on significant policy shifts.
Trevor Ford clarified that the memo was an internal working document designed to foster discussions and explore ideas, emphasizing that any actions derived from it would be presented publicly through standard procedures. Sim’s motion to pause new supportive housing will be deliberated at the upcoming Vancouver city council meeting.
