There are concerns being raised about government spending in B.C. in connection with some struggling businesses and an almost empty SRO hotel.
The Broadway Subway Project has already caused business owners in the area to express frustration with long delays and declining revenue.
Now, SportCheck has announced it is about to close its Mount Pleasant location and small family businesses dealing with reduced foot traffic are having a difficult time making ends meet.
The Business Improvement Association says it is a frustrating and common refrain.
“Because there is no compensation policy, they’re not doing anything here,” Neil Wyles, the executive director of the Mount Pleasant BIA, said.
“And policy is just that, it can be changed. Governments change policies all the time, but they have dug in on this one and they’re using it as a shield, an excuse to do nothing.”
The B.C. government has said there will be no compensation for these merchants.
Housing Minister Christine Boyle is the local MLA and her office is across the street from the closing SportCheck.
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“These businesses are looking for a lifeline; they’re looking for some help; they’re not looking for handouts,” Wyles said.
He also questioned why Boyle is allowing her ministry to spend more than $100,000 a month to operate an SRO building on Granville Street with one resident, but has no money for taxpayers in her riding.
The Broadway Subway Project was originally slated to be finished in 2025, but will not be complete until 2027.
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There are also questions about how much taxpayers paid for the Granville Strip SRO Hotel, which is still open a month and a half after the province promised to close it.
BC Housing bought the former Howard Johnson Hotel, now known as the Luugat, in 2020 for $55 million. At the time, the combined assessed value of the building and an adjacent parking lot included in the deal was $38.6 million. Both sites are now assessed at approximately $27 million.
Urban planner and retired architect Michael Geller said governments often pay more than their properties are worth when they intend to create supportive housing.
“I don’t think it’s unreasonable to assume the province will lose about half of what they paid for this property,” he said.
“When I say the province is losing half, what I’m really saying is the taxpayers of British Columbia are losing half of what was spent on this building and that ignores all the other costs that have been associated with it over the years.”
Global News asked B.C.’s housing ministry why the Luugat purchase price was higher than its assessed value.
The government said that B.C. Housing received an independent appraisal before purchasing and ended up buying the site for less than the appraised value, which it did not disclose.
Are you trying to build a story? Really !!
Why do you think we are in a situation of spending ? Are you the new person ?
?
How can the BC government justify spending this money. If the tenant is not happy with other accommodation offered let them get their own. The building is being demolished, is it not. Tell the tenant, this is what is available. This is the day they will be locked out of the building. They can either leave on their own or be removed. It is absolutely ridiculous that this has been allowed to happen. This government needs to go if they are not capable of governing in a responsible manner!
Remeber this, as the BC government and the feds announce theyre going to buying out vacant condos.
It wont work, nothing the Eby government touches works, except for the people hes bailing out.
*Doug Bob
August 19, 2026 at 1:55 pm
These businesses that are crying about loosing business are for getting we the TAX payers are upgrading the side walk etc in front of these stores and installing a brand new sky train station at their door that will bring 1000’s of customers daily to that area. We should not have to increase the construction budget to pay the rent. Will they repay us the tax payer once the customers increase 10 fold? Sport check is not leaving because of construction , they know the customer base will increase.*
Who’s the one crying? You’re on here crying 24/7 about things that have absolutely nothing to do with you and half of the time you’re not even making any sense. Too funny 🤣🤣
*Doug Bob
August 19, 2026 at 1:55 pm
These businesses that are crying about loosing business are for getting we the TAX payers are upgrading the side walk etc in front of these stores and installing a brand new sky train station at their door that will bring 1000’s of customers daily to that area. We should not have to increase the construction budget to pay the rent. Will they repay us the tax payer once the customers increase 10 fold? Sport check is not leaving because of construction , they know the customer base will increase.*
Who’s the one crying? You’re on here crying 24/7 about things that have absolutely nothing to do with you and half of the time you’re not even making any sense. Too funny 🤣🤣
These businesses that are crying about loosing business are for getting we the TAX payers are upgrading the side walk etc in front of these stores and installing a brand new sky train station at their door that will bring 1000’s of customers daily to that area. We should not have to increase the construction budget to pay the rent. Will they repay us the tax payer once the customers increase 10 fold? Sport check is not leaving because of construction , they know the customer base will increase.
2 completely unrelated things. These businesses were always failing and they think they can pressure the government to giving them a handout. The SportChek was easy to access and park nearby. It’s nonsense to blame the construction.
They voted for it, deal with it.
“Elldub
August 19, 2026 at 11:06 am
Do better Global. You are constantly removing my comments while I follow your commenting policy. What’s with that??”
I highly doubt that
Do better Global. You are constantly removing my comments while I follow your commenting policy. What’s with that??
Business Owners :
Grab yourself a crack pipe and head to the Government’s offices.They will throw and endless amount of cash at you
Government losing money on deal.
It’s a favorite NDP pastime. Keep paying those taxes folks and your government will spending (wasting) it as fast as possible.