5077 and 5095 Heather Street (New Beginnings)

This site contains two three-storey temporary modular housing buildings with a total of 98 single studio homes.  Each building has a shared commercial kitchen, laundry, and communal amenity spaces (indoor and outdoor), while each new unit is around 320 sq. ft. and contains a bathroom and a kitchen.

For the two new buildings on this site, priority will be given to Indigenous residents experiencing homelessness. The focus on supporting Indigenous residents in these buildings is in line with the need identified through Vancouver’s annual homeless count, which shows Indigenous people make up 40 per cent of Vancouver’s homeless population. At least 10% of the homes will be wheelchair accessible.

All tenants would have customized supports based on their needs, which may include: referral to healthcare services, life-skills training, employment preparation, access to educational opportunities and volunteer work, connections to community groups, and opportunities for social events.

The proposed temporary modular housing is separate from the upcoming rezoning and permanent development of the Heather Lands site. The approved policy statement for this site acknowledges that temporary uses such as modular housing can be accommodated to make efficient use of land and activate sites prior to redevelopment or during the construction phase.