That's It!

Well, I think I have reached the end of my blogging career. I hope that the following posts are interesting and shed some light on a very complex topic. The End

This Condo For Sale

For interests/research sake (and, okay daydreaming) I’ve been looking at some of the websites for new condo developments in the Gastown/DTES area. I’m not sure who can afford these, but I am definitely not included. I think the same goes for almost everyone who currently resides in the DTES. This type of high-end development will raise eventually raise the value of the entire area. More SRO conversions are surely in sight. Buy now, while units are still available for around the quarter-half million mark!

Every Building on 100 West Hastings

I have been reading quite a few articles from the book "Every Building on 100 West Hastings" edited by Ruth Shier. It is published by the Contemporary Art Gallery (Vancouver) and I believe it was released in conjunction with the work by Stan Douglas (local artist/photographer) of the same name. This block of Hastings (directly across from the new Woodwards redevelopment) was touted in 1998 as "the worst block in Canada" by one reporter. Its boarded up windows and decrypted facades stand (barely) as a symbol of the despair of the entire Hastings area and the lack of investment/concern for this area since the early 1990s. This book has some great articles by many important sociologists/geographers about the history of the area and the affects of gentrification. I have become particularly interested in how zoning (especially protective zoning like heritage districts) affects the structure of the city. The book also highlights how Vancouver has dealt with urban renewal projects (Project 200) and other world events (Expo 86) which, unfortunately, suggests that how we are not handling the Olympic construction much better.

July 26 - The Georgia Straight

Coincidentally, the Georgia Straight has come out with a few great articles on Housing Solutions, just as my blog is ending. The cover of this edition depicts a rather sad looking character cramped into the stump of a hollowed out tree, squished in with all his earthly belonging. A bewildered an annoyed squirrel watches over. The analogy doesn’t seem so silly these days. One of the articles (by Charlie Smith) provides some insight into the Little Mountain Housing complex. It is a 6 hectare site (quite a large piece of land by today’s standards) at 33^rd and Main St that is slated for redevelopment. The site will be redesigned to includes hundreds more units, both of market and non-market housing. The city can then use the profit to fund other social housing projects. While I think there intentions are good (increase densification, increase capital for more projects, provide more social housing) they are going about the development all wrong. Rather than develop the project in phases (which is quite possible given the scale of the site), all the residents are forced to move out at once. They are being relocated across the city. So while the project is under construction (which will take a few years), children are forced to switch schools, people will have to commute longer distances, and seniors will have to arrange travel for medical attention. It seems to me, that if we want to provide housing, we should not have to evict people from their homes in order to do it.

Chapter 25

I have found this Chapter by R. Alan Walks entitled "Homelessness, Housing Affordability and the New Poverty" one of the most enlightening chapters because he approaches the issues from slightly different angles. His "Continuum of Homefullness to Homelessness" graph of housing options available within both the public and private market helps to clearly illustrate how when even one of the options are removed - such as the closure/conversion of SRO units - the rest of the system feels the impact. When SROs close, the next available options are very limited and often only temporary. It also helps to show people at the lowest end of the spectrum can literally get bumped down a notch. As rents rise, more are forced to move into low-income housing, and the previous tenants must vacate. Walks' definition of the "new poverty" (poverty, unlike previous decades, that is brought on by shifts in the economy and low paying service jobs rather than the traditional reasons of mental/physical abuse, drug addiction, lack of employable skills) shows us how widespread the problem of housing will quickly become. Other models compare the difference between personal reasons for homelessness (mental health, job skills) and external forces (land inflation, low vacancy rates etc). Personal reasons explain help us determine who are at risk, but external forces will decide how many will be affected.

Yikes! Almost a Month

Well, it has been a little more than a month since by last blog entry. And upon realization of the fast approaching deadline, I figured it was about time I posted some comments about what has been in fact a month worth of reading. I have also been taking an Urban Sociology course which has provided some different perspectives on the same issues presented in our textbook. This has made for a fascinating and well-rounded reading list. So, over the next few days, as I simultaneously write my essay, I will expand a bit on the material I have been collecting an reading over the last few weeks in support of my research into the DTES, housing affordability, homelessness, and gentrification.

2007-06-23 The Province - City of Van buys Drake Hotel for $32 million as Social Housing Fix

The City of Vancouver has bought another building – this one housed a former stripclub – to be converted to SRO housing. The city uses the purchase as a well-timed opportunity to “plug” the other recent acquisitions by the city, showcasing their “commitment” to affordable housing. So, the strip club will go and be replaced by a local pub and the units above will be renovated. I find it sad - yet another building in the worst part of town with the closest resource being a pub instead of a more helpful amenity like a grocery store, pharmacy, café, restaurant or any other retail store that might actually help to revitalize the area. It’s a step forward, but only a small one.

2007-06-23 The Province - City of Van buys Drake Hotel for $32 million as Social Housing Fix

CBC News on the Olympics and Housing

These three articles (dating back to last September) provide cautionary warnings about the negative affects of the Olympics, specifically in areas of social housing, affordability and human rights. The mayor’s “Civil City” project is criticized as an unsuitable and questionable method to clean up the city that punishes those that are forced to live on the streets, instead of providing home. A quote from lawyer David Eby: “Initiatives like bylaws banning sitting or lying down on sidewalks, the increased use of beat police officers, the increased use of surveillance cameras, and the displacement that that is going to cause, I had to tell them (United Nations conference) that we’re really off track to hosting a sustainable Games.”

Others call for more funding housing, including SRO sponsorship, social housing and proper allowances. The $325 welfare shelter allowance hasn’t been increased in 12 years, which hasn’t allowed for natural increases in inflation or accounted for the escalating real-estate market. I think the frequency and continued publication of these articles makes the public aware of the situation, so we ourselves can act like watchdogs and help to hold the city accountable for its promises and react accordingly when they are not fulfilled.

2006-09-21 – CBC News – Homelessness in Vancouver could Triple by 2010: report

2007-02-12 – CBC News – Olympics making Vancouver Housing Crisis worse: critic

2007-06-14 – CBC News – Vancouver Homeless Advocate makes his Case to UN Conference

2007-06-13 - Vancouver Courier - City Backed Bonds for Home Loans

In 1946 the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Cooperation was established to deal with the lack of housing available after the war. For the first time, mortgages were available to veterans and non-veterans alike, making the dream of the “white picket fence” a reality. Mortgages backed by banks have drastically changed who is able to afford a home. Even full-time students like myself are able to enter into the wonderful world of homeownership. However, my own mother had to co-sign for the mortgage and without her long established equity, I wouldn’t have been ale to get a mortgage. Others are faced with similar situations and might not be as fortunate as I was. What other options are there available? This article discusses a proposal for new types of mortgages that might help others enter into the private market. With the current interest rates it make sense to buy a home. In Vancouver, you will pay an equal amount for rent and have nothing to show for it at the end of the month. Solving the crisis of affordability will need creative solutions and I appreciated this article for opening a discussion for alternative financial aid.

2007-06-13 - Vancouver Courier - City Backed Bonds for Home Loans

I would have never ever thought...

The strangest thing happened the other day. It revealed quite a lot about how I perceive Vancouver, and how that perception- to my utter disbelief - is not universally shared. In addition to this "urban" class I am also taking a course in "Urban Sociology' which nicely compliments this class and offers other perspectives on the same issues. In the first class, while we were getting to know each other by talking about our thoughts on planning in Vancouver, a girl from Texas absolutely shocked me. She said the thing she DOES NOT like about Vancouver was that "everything is all compiled ontop of each other" by which she meant that (especially in the Downtown area) you work, play and live all within a few blocks of each other. Coming from Texas, where land runs wild, she said they would NEVER imagine combining all the portions of their life like that. She felt too compressed and squeezed living in Vancouver. She would rather drive 3o mins to work via a freeway, drive back home, then drive another 30 mins to recreation / entertainment whatever. She couldn't understand why anyone wouldn't prefer that scenario compared to Vancouver. I, of course, can't understand why anyone would? Needless to say, this really opened my eyes. Having lived in BC all my life I naively thought that everyone would appreciate the same things - a liveable walkable city that doesn't rely on automobiles, but I guess your upbringing matters more than I previously gave credit for.

Beyond the Sticker Price: The Cost of Housing

This is the title of the paper I just submitted. It focuses on the issue housing affordability (using Vancouver as an example and case study) and the consequences attributed such as the rising homeless population, including those at risk. It's a little long to post on here, but I will email it to any one if they are interested. I have also been meaning to post a whole lot of links to some recent news articles. They will come in the next few days. Luckily, this topic is very topical at the moment! No shortage of information for anyone who is interested. Although, noticing the source of such info tells another side to the story.

2007 -06-01 - The Tyee - Homeless to Housed in One Day

A really great article about the difference one person can make. I don’t often feel inspired in this way, but this person has done something truly special. Also a great article for revealing some simple truths about the housing situation in Vancouver, the ordinary challenges people faces, which provides insight into a complex network that is fraught with complications that leaves many dissatisfied, disrespected and ultimately back on the streets.

2007 -06-01 - The Tyee - Homeless to Housed in One Day

2007-05-06 - News 1130 - Developer Sees Positive Change

A developer who insists that the Downtown Eastside will only be successfully revitalized if there is a mix of social classes and the urban fabric of the city. Rather than tearing down entire neighbourhoods (ie the Woodwards block) he seeks a more integrated approach. While this attitude is commendable in theory, not to mention that it looks great in quotes in the shiny magazines marketing his new project, the intentions are questionable. A quick look at the developer’s website reveals that the development offers nothing new to the community at large and the price range is out of reach for nearly everyone but a fortunate few. If you look at their website, you will find that this sort of social concern is more of a advertising gimmick than a genuine desire for social change. Photos and text play upon the perceived exoticness of the urban jungle, seeking those with an avant-garde attitude who are brave enough to face the gritty streets but sophisticated enough to recognize a designer vase.

2007-05-06 - News 1130 - Developer sees Positive Change

2007-05-05 - Vancouver Courier - No Surprises in Report on DTES Hotels

A report has been released that outlines the living conditions in 54 SRO hotels in the Downtown Eastside. To no one’s surprise, the report revealed the appalling conditions that occupants are forced to deal with as no other housing is available for comparable prices. While some hotels are privately managed, others are controlled by the city. Unfortunately and perhaps ironically, city-controlled hotels are not any better managed and reported an equivalent number of problems such as 911 calls. With the city’s recent announcement that they are purchasing and will be managing 11 more hotels in the DTES, can they be trusted to manage the SRO stock responsibly? What will they do differently to prevent this situation from occurring in the future?

2007-05-05 - Vancouver Courier - No Surprises in Report on DTES Hotels

2007-04-05 - The Georgia Straight - Government Keeps SRO Prices Under Wraps

A short factual article outlines purchases made by the provincial government for 11 SRO hotels. Is the government finally responding to the housing crisis? Is it too little too late?

2007-04-05 - The Georgia Straight - Government Keeps SRO Prices Under Wraps

2007-02-22 - The Georgia Straight - City Fails to Protect SROs

There is a large social stigma attached to SRO units. This article reminds us that occupants are not all mentally ill or a drug abusers. Some are simply poor. In a city as expensive as Vancouver, it is a matter of affordability. An SRO unit is not the desirable choice but the only housing available on a welfare-shelter allowance. It is important to cite the difference between and SRO and a shelter. For many, SROs mean a semi-permanent home, while a shelter is only a temporary situation

SROs are important because they fall within the jurisdiction of the city. The author accuses the mayor “reactively managing the DTES housing crisis as opposed to proactively solving it.” The $5000/unit fine has been raised to $15,000 but this will still not solve the problem. It makes economic and social sense to provide SRO units, given the comparatively high costs of supplying shelters or jail cells. Perhaps the Olympics will be a blessing in disguise and finally force the city to address its decisions more wisely? Remains to be seen…

2007-02-22 - The Georgia Straight - City Fails to Protect SROs

2006-09-30 - The Georgia Straight -Vision Vancouver Calls for Bans on SRO Demolitions

This news release introduces the bylaw put into motion by select council members to enforce a moratorium on conversions of SRO units for other uses, resulting in heavy fines for the developers of such units. “This motion is in response to our failure to live up to our Olympic commitments,” that were not being sufficiently addressed by the mayor, says one city councillor. However, by the time the bylaw comes into place, hundreds of units (at least 350) have already been lost. Is the city doing enough to protect its own citizens? Should the city have not acted in a more timely manner given the fact that these types of conversions would have been easy to predict? Who has the city been protecting – the citizens of Vancouver or the developers of Olympic properties?

2006-09-30 - The Georgia Straight -Vision Vancouver Calls for Bans on SRO Demolitions

2006-08-31 - The Georgia Straight - Olympic Cities Punish Poor

Written as a cautionary warning, this article reminds us of the outcomes of low-income citizens in post-Olympic cities which, not surprisingly, do not err in favour of the disenfranchised. Citing other Olympic cities, the article reveals undelivered promises for housing and draws attention to Vancouver’s own commitment.

Will Vancouver live up to its pledge to provide long-term solutions for housing or will it cave to the pressure and opt for quick fixes and short-term solutions provoked by the looming deadline of 2010?

Since published, Vancouver has already witnessed some of the prophecies come true (“evictions resulting from gentrification and beautification” and tougher laws on panhandling and/or loitering). As citizens we need to keep watch on policy changes that are being pushed for in the name of the Olympics. There effects will impact us longer than two weeks of festivities.

2006-08-31 - The Georgia Straight - Olympic Cities Punish Poor

2006-08-10 - The Georgia Straight - Small Building Owners Caught in Bylaw Trap

This brief article provides a decent explanation of a city bylaw that prevents building owners from converting SROs (Single Room Occupancy) into another use (like high-end condos) by imposing a $5000 fine per unit. Thus, a 50 unit building would be fined $250,000 making it an undesirable purchase for a prospective developer.

What this bylaw attempts to do is reduce the number of conversions of SRO units of which there are already dangerously low numbers. It is easy to argue that this is a good thing. The equation seems simple: we have a large number of homeless citizens so we need a large number of affordable homes. There seems to be little room for sympathy when we generalize and associate the developer with a money-hungry corporation; this article shows that there is a human side to these transactions with real-life consequences.

This article poses two interesting questions: Why are we fining individual property owners for wanting to reap the benefits of their own private interests? (ie cashing in on their own property, just like any other building owner hopes to do) Is it reasonable for the city to rely on PRIVATE interest to solve a SOCIAL housing problem?

2006-08-10 - The Georgia Straight - Small Building Owners Caught in Bylaw Trap

Relevant Articles

For the next portion of this blog I am going to posts links to articles I have read in preparation for my paper on non-market housing and surrounding issues (social stigmas, problems of homelessness, zoning and policy changes, the urban fabric and gentrification, the Olympics and sustainable architecture to mention a few). While I have been gathering the articles for a while, I have not had to chance to post them until now. So to make it easier for myself and everyone reading, I will list the published date of the article, the source, a brief synopsis of what I learned and a link so you may read the article in its entirety if you are so inclined.

Relevant Websites CONT

I have updated the links to include all the websites I am gathering information from for my term paper. A lot of them are government or city websites, which should be more factual and non-biased (you be the judge), while others can point you in the direction of more opinionated arguments.

A Brief an Incomplete Introduction

This is what I have prepared thus far as the topic of my blog and subsequent research...

In Vancouver, large numbers of SROs (single room occupancy) have been fallen into the hands of developers and are now being converted to upscale condominiums. The dwindling stock of affordable and social housing has been declining for years and has recently accelerated due to a number of social and political issues. Poor construction, improper maintenance, irresponsible management and lack of funding have resulted in the closure of several major buildings over the last few months alone.

As a result of internal and external pressures, the City of Vancouver has been in the process of acquiring these and other buildings in hopes of reversing this discouraging trend and creating new, responsible and accountable housing. The City recently announced that they have bought 15 properties across Vancouver and that these sites will either be renovated and turned into new housing projects, or sold and the City will use the money acquired to finance others. As a major percentage of these buildings are located within the Downtown Eastside (DTES) important decisions will need to be made in regards to how the City deals with problems of affordable, social or non-market housing.

The DTES already boasts a number of key facilities to deal with social problems (gospel missions, food banks, counselling services, clinics, safe drug injection sites) but also perpetuates an unhealthy and regressive lifestyle (easy and cheap access to drugs and alcohol, crime, violence against women, concerns for safety). Concentrating all new social housing developments in one area of town helps to segregate the population, further perpetuating fear and misunderstanding about our society’s less unfortunate citizens, offering little integration into society at large; however, it could also help to foster a sense of community, in a place where citizens are familiar with and have established social circles.

It is my intention of this blog to examine the issues and concerns of social, or non-market housing, investigates the policies and economy that regulate these buildings and look at the design and architectural impact upon the urban fabric of the city.

Relavent Websites

I have started to add some websites that contain a wealth on information about my topic (to be mentioned momentarily). I am not stating whether I agree with some of the more opinionated ones or not, but they are there for discussion.

My First Blog

I was quite proud of myself. I had resisted the blogging phenomenon for the entire life of the internet. But alas, I have had to give in. Here goes nothing...