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