From Vision to Reality: Vancouver’s 320 Hastings St. Development Set to Provide Stability

Vancouver, BC – In a significant move towards addressing the housing crisis and promoting inclusivity, construction has commenced on a transformative mixed-use housing development in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. This project, which will consist of 103 new homes, is set to provide a safe and affordable haven for Indigenous elders, individuals with disabilities, and those at risk of homelessness. The initiative aims to not only offer shelter but also create a dependable and culturally rich environment.

Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing, expressed his commitment to addressing housing issues, saying, “Our government will continue to seek out partnerships to build homes like these so people can have the opportunities and peace of mind that comes with a stable, affordable home.”

The undertaking, situated at 320 Hastings St., is the fruit of a collaboration between various government entities and organizations, including the Province through BC Housing, the Government of Canada via the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the City of Vancouver, the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA), First United, and Lu’ma Native Housing Society.

Amanda Burrows, Executive Director of First United, reflected on the organization’s longstanding commitment to serving the Downtown Eastside and its residents. “We’re adapting again to redevelop our building into a purpose-built facility more capable of addressing these complex issues. In commitment to reconciliation, we’re thrilled to partner with Lu’ma to offer safe and affordable Indigenous housing.”

The development will take the form of an 11-storey, concrete-frame building, featuring 35 supportive housing units and an additional 68 rental homes, with a focus on Indigenous Peoples. Each residential floor will offer shared laundry facilities, amenity areas, and balcony spaces, while a rooftop patio will provide residents with outdoor relaxation opportunities. The first four floors will be dedicated to the new purpose-built First United facility, which will deliver a range of social services and programs for residents and the broader community.

The First United facility will feature various amenities, including low-barrier drop-in spaces, a heating and cooling center, washroom and shower facilities, an interfaith sanctuary, a day-sleeping room, an outdoor deck, a computer lab, administrative and program spaces, as well as a commercial kitchen and dining hall. Residents will have access to all First United services, including two meals per day through the Community Meals program.

Lu’ma Native Housing Society will take charge of operating the building and managing the supportive and affordable housing units. They will provide on-site support to supportive housing residents, including 24/7 staffing, security, life-skills training, employment programs, and referrals to other health and community-based services and supports. Indigenous Peoples will receive priority access to the affordable homes, and the project will incorporate design elements to promote culture and community, such as gathering areas and space for Indigenous artwork and installations.

Joan Phillip, MLA for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant, emphasized the importance of the project in addressing the issue of affordable housing, saying, “This project is an example of how we are working with Indigenous organizations to ensure that supportive, affordable, and culturally inclusive homes are made available as a step toward reconciliation and affordability.”

Construction of the 320 Hastings St. development is expected to conclude in late 2025, with residential floors having a separate entrance at 438 Gore Ave. This initiative is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government, which has already delivered or initiated nearly 77,000 affordable homes since 2017, including close to 8,000 in Vancouver.

Sean Fraser, federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities, noted the importance of secure housing in individuals’ well-being and community connection. He expressed, “Today’s announcement is a bold step towards an inclusive and equitable future. Together, we build a stronger and more vibrant community where everyone has a place to call home.”