WATCH: Concern tonight at an open house for residents of a Vancouver neighbourhood opposed to a proposed social housing project. Jeremy Hunka reports.
Some Downtown Eastside residents are expressing concern over plans to build a new social housing complex on the corner of Hawks and Hastings St.
A Vancouver-based non-profit hopes to construct a seven-storey housing project made entirely of old shipping containers.
The building would be the tallest of its kind on the continent, consisting of 26 living units made from 90 shipping containers.
The units are intended to provide low-cost social housing for women.
WATCH: Atira plans 7-storey social housing project made of old shipping containers
“It is beautiful housing at a good price,” says Miriam Sobrino of the Atira Women’s Resource Society.
Still, the project may still face opposition from residents who worry more social housing would increase crime in the area. Others hope for more family units and commercial space to revitalize the Hastings corridor.
“This is a neighbourhood that is greatly lacking in community facilities, amenities, green space, places to shop,” says Elana Zysblat of the Strathcona Residents’ Association.
Such concerns may not go away anytime soon. Even if the rezoning application is approved, construction on the housing project is still more than a year away.
-with files from Jeremy Hunka
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