Vancouver’s micro-lofts are now being hailed the smallest, self-contained rental units in Canada, according to CBC news. A Vancouver developer recently unveiled 30 new “micro-lofts” – spaces that are all fewer than 300 square feet in size.
The apartments are located at 18 West Hastings Street, right across from Save-On Meats in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside in a newly renovated building. They went on display on Monday. Ranging in size from 226 to 291 square feet, the units’ rent averages $850 a month, and each suite includes cable and internet.
In order to maximize the space, each suite has been carefully designed with square footage in mind. The developers used built-in pull-down beds, small appliances and tables that fold away.
Lia Cosco, one of the building’s new tenants, says “I was looking for an affordable living space – and the suite was perfect. The unique allocation of space and the design concepts make the small space very inviting and comfortable to live in.”
While the suites may be comfortable to some, they come at the expense of the comfort of others, suggest protestors. The suites have been dubbed an “affordable and much needed non-subsidized rental housing opportunity in downtown Vancouver” by the city, developers Reliance Properties and ITC Construction Group. But a number of protesters don’t see it that way. As the new building was being unveiled on Monday, they charged it in protest.
Ivan Drury, one of the demonstrators, said, “I don’t understand how this is part of an affordable housing strategy. This is not an affordable housing strategy. This is a homelessness strategy.”
Drury and his fellow protestors are upset because the new building was previously used as a single occupancy (SRO) hotel. Single occupancy hotels provide short-term (and long-term) accommodation for those who need affordable housing in the Vancouver area. In Vancouver, Victoria, and New Westminster there are approximately 1,500 rooms.
Protestors are unhappy with the city since they’ve allowed these buildings to be converted into more expensive forms of housing. It is their belief that developers are taking valuable space from those who need it most. But a visit to the BC Housing website shows that the development is in line with the city’s affordable housing strategy.
“The City of Vancouver has identified preserving the existing SRO stock as an important priority in addressing homelessness,” says the BC Housing website. “The Province is acting with the city to help preserve these units while we plan and build new affordable housing units.”
The development’s protestors are calling on the city to stop converting SROs into expensive housing, especially since rent in the new building is significantly higher than it was before.
Councilor Kerry Jang says that the project still fits Vancouver’s affordable housing strategy. It is his belief that mixed neighbourhoods work best, since the people who come in bring money with them and help keep the local businesses open.
: 12:48 PM
133 Comments
That is NOT affordable housing. Who are they trying to kid?
And meanwhile, the poor are still on the streets. I see them wrapped up in blankets, suffering in the cold night. This is what our Mayor was telling us that he was doing for the homeless???? The homeless do not have $850.00 to pay rent. Where is his head at????
Maybe we should give the homeless $4000, month to live on. Maybe that would make them happy. How about offer them jobs in another area where housing is available. I know vancouver well many (to be fare not all) of the homeless are doing exactly what they want and its not my job to use MY tax dollars to support anyone who prefers to live off of others than be a productive member of society. So if we built nice new appartments for them, free but made it conditional on drug or achohol testing how many would be evicted? thought so.
Unfortunately, homelessness has, does, and ALWAYS will exist in this city no matter what the politicians do. Meanwhile, Protest Vancouver which, (judging by the comments posted so far is supported by the people commenting here) cost us by city accounts one million dollars. How many homeless people could have been helped with that amount? So as usual the misguided people who are protesting this type of thing are actually hurting the very people they're purporting to help. That's what confuses me...
850 for 300 sq feet or less is not affordable housing even for Vancouver. I am a Vancouver resident and there are many spaces in similar price ranges that offer significantly more space. I don't know what is a worse sign for the city; the fact that the city is stating these are affordable units or that people are actually dumb enough to rent them at that rate. The only way to bring rental prices (and purchase prices) in line for the city is for those who can afford them (like myself and other working professionals) to refuse to pay premiums for over priced properties.
I totally agree with you RK, when i posted earlier, i wasn't very specific on my post. Those "apts" were originally SRO's where the homeless were housed. There were supposed to be updated for them. Now they are done for younger people, BUT how many young people can afford $850.00 a month, since it's only small enough for one person?
Vancouver: That's disgusting! Shame on you, especially those of you that think that the majority of homeless people choose to be that way...that they choose to be poor. Totally stupid...To those of the city of Vancouver that thought of this: you are a bunch of mindless sub-human cretins!
I pay $725. for a 2br suite in Terrace. iT'S in an absolutely beautiful town a 7 minute drive from a world class Salmon river. There isn't much work here but if you're retired or are a nurse, etc. you have no worries. I left Vancouver in 1974 & have never been sorry.
$850 for 300 sq. ft? Some developer somewhere is laughing his balls off and there must be more lining up, salivating at that kind of a sell job.
And a resounding 'boo hiss' for those lamebrains who seem to think that all homeless persons are on welfare. Your grip on true reality is tenuous at best while you overlook the elderly, the marginally employed, etc...
Who is it affordable for? Not for handicapped folks who are allotted $375 a month for rent... Not for seniors eking out a minimal existence on less than $1200/mo. Not for minimum wage earners or those who can only find part time employ.
The cost of those 'micro-lofts' makes the usual DTES scumlords look altruistic by comparison.
Shame on you developers and shame on the people who buys these micro lofts! In this big country we have stooped to live in this type of Sardine Cans type dwelling. People!, move out of Vancouver city! there is nothing there but chaos and poverty and unemployment. Go discouver the rest of Canada!
If the city of Vancouver Councilors promised that the building would be converted to upgraded, still-affordable or MORE affordable units for the homeless/& the otherwise homeless people, then the City should be held accountable. A promise ws apparently made and then broken. What happened? Maybe it's time for the Council members to spend a few days and nights on the streets, again , as a social experiment(an eye-opener!). I'd bet good money that they might actually CARE about their fellow human beings that find themselves in this predicament year 'round.
I read a wonderful saying on a website (Victoria Action Committee for People with Disabilities ..."Where hope is not a plan").
I live in 250 sq ft place and it is fine. If you are happy you dont need a large space or fancy junk. In 250 sq ft I have everything I need. I am not poor and have a business but I just decided to live in a small suite.
This is a sign of things to come across Canada. Just like an epidemic. The only ones to benefit from this will be the housing authority who owns and operates these dwellings.
Spaces are far to small and way to damned much money.This world is going to hell in a hand cart and it is the innocent hard working public that gets kicked every time. It is about time we all start fighting back. This is a money grabbing mind bending venture, for the rich to get richer. This is all crap in my book!!
Actual homeless aside...I don't quite understand why the low-income folks of Downtown Vancouver don't move to a cheaper part of town. If you're going to be unemployed and collect welfare don't spend it on room rental in the the most expensive neighbourhood in BC. You can rent a studio in PoCo for $550-600/month - might still not be "cheap" but it's cheaper than Downtown. Get what i'm saying here? I make 50k and can't afford to live downtown, so I moved to the burbs. I'm over simplifying the argument, but there's logic here I feel...
I lived quite comfortably in a bit less than 300 sq ft for about 3 years, back in the late 1950's. I LOVED IT! They called them "housekeeping rooms" - mine had one easy chair, a daybed, a small table with 2 chairs, a counter-island thing with shelves and a closet and a two-burner-and-oven cooker. Shared a bathroom with a similarly housed couple.
This is disgusting and disgraceful the rich get richer the poorer get poorer.
I have been homeless and not by choice people that require some help are unable to get it and it seems anywhere that you go its all about money money money! how about making affordable housing for everyone and just simply helping your fellow man.
I am beside myself what has the world and the people in it come to.
That is NOT affordable housing. Who are they trying to kid?
Posted by: sd | 12/20/2011 at 01:50 PM
If you want affordable, come to Alberta. Sunnier too!
Posted by: traveller | 12/20/2011 at 02:14 PM
And meanwhile, the poor are still on the streets. I see them wrapped up in blankets, suffering in the cold night. This is what our Mayor was telling us that he was doing for the homeless???? The homeless do not have $850.00 to pay rent. Where is his head at????
Posted by: confused | 12/20/2011 at 02:25 PM
Maybe we should give the homeless $4000, month to live on. Maybe that would make them happy. How about offer them jobs in another area where housing is available. I know vancouver well many (to be fare not all) of the homeless are doing exactly what they want and its not my job to use MY tax dollars to support anyone who prefers to live off of others than be a productive member of society. So if we built nice new appartments for them, free but made it conditional on drug or achohol testing how many would be evicted? thought so.
Posted by: Stevens B. | 12/20/2011 at 03:22 PM
Unfortunately, homelessness has, does, and ALWAYS will exist in this city no matter what the politicians do. Meanwhile, Protest Vancouver which, (judging by the comments posted so far is supported by the people commenting here) cost us by city accounts one million dollars. How many homeless people could have been helped with that amount? So as usual the misguided people who are protesting this type of thing are actually hurting the very people they're purporting to help. That's what confuses me...
Posted by: Randy | 12/20/2011 at 03:46 PM
850 for 300 sq feet or less is not affordable housing even for Vancouver. I am a Vancouver resident and there are many spaces in similar price ranges that offer significantly more space. I don't know what is a worse sign for the city; the fact that the city is stating these are affordable units or that people are actually dumb enough to rent them at that rate. The only way to bring rental prices (and purchase prices) in line for the city is for those who can afford them (like myself and other working professionals) to refuse to pay premiums for over priced properties.
Posted by: RK | 12/20/2011 at 04:16 PM
I totally agree with you RK, when i posted earlier, i wasn't very specific on my post. Those "apts" were originally SRO's where the homeless were housed. There were supposed to be updated for them. Now they are done for younger people, BUT how many young people can afford $850.00 a month, since it's only small enough for one person?
Posted by: confused | 12/20/2011 at 05:05 PM
Vancouver: That's disgusting! Shame on you, especially those of you that think that the majority of homeless people choose to be that way...that they choose to be poor. Totally stupid...To those of the city of Vancouver that thought of this: you are a bunch of mindless sub-human cretins!
Posted by: Montreal Resident and Proud! | 12/20/2011 at 06:18 PM
$850 for roughly 300 square feet? Thats a tremendous rip off. These people are retarded to pay that much for that little.
I pay $983 all inclusive for 1200 square feet, just 25 mins east of Toronto's GTA.
Posted by: David M. | 12/20/2011 at 09:41 PM
How about scaling back the extreme greed rather than the square footage. It is disgusting!
Posted by: carla | 12/20/2011 at 10:16 PM
I pay $725. for a 2br suite in Terrace. iT'S in an absolutely beautiful town a 7 minute drive from a world class Salmon river. There isn't much work here but if you're retired or are a nurse, etc. you have no worries. I left Vancouver in 1974 & have never been sorry.
Posted by: Big Al | 12/20/2011 at 11:05 PM
$850 for 300 sq. ft? Some developer somewhere is laughing his balls off and there must be more lining up, salivating at that kind of a sell job.
And a resounding 'boo hiss' for those lamebrains who seem to think that all homeless persons are on welfare. Your grip on true reality is tenuous at best while you overlook the elderly, the marginally employed, etc...
Who is it affordable for? Not for handicapped folks who are allotted $375 a month for rent... Not for seniors eking out a minimal existence on less than $1200/mo. Not for minimum wage earners or those who can only find part time employ.
The cost of those 'micro-lofts' makes the usual DTES scumlords look altruistic by comparison.
Posted by: Meg | 12/20/2011 at 11:43 PM
Shame on you developers and shame on the people who buys these micro lofts! In this big country we have stooped to live in this type of Sardine Cans type dwelling. People!, move out of Vancouver city! there is nothing there but chaos and poverty and unemployment. Go discouver the rest of Canada!
Posted by: Toyie | 12/29/2011 at 12:16 AM
If the city of Vancouver Councilors promised that the building would be converted to upgraded, still-affordable or MORE affordable units for the homeless/& the otherwise homeless people, then the City should be held accountable. A promise ws apparently made and then broken. What happened? Maybe it's time for the Council members to spend a few days and nights on the streets, again , as a social experiment(an eye-opener!). I'd bet good money that they might actually CARE about their fellow human beings that find themselves in this predicament year 'round.
I read a wonderful saying on a website (Victoria Action Committee for People with Disabilities ..."Where hope is not a plan").
Posted by: L. Abbott | 12/29/2011 at 12:20 AM
Heck my deck in my back yard is 400SF. To each their own i guess.
Posted by: Richard | 12/29/2011 at 12:23 AM
does this compare to victoria???
Posted by: stefani | 12/29/2011 at 12:24 AM
It's Vancouver...logic, common sense and reality do NOT apply there...
Posted by: Bobby C | 12/29/2011 at 12:42 AM
I live in 250 sq ft place and it is fine. If you are happy you dont need a large space or fancy junk. In 250 sq ft I have everything I need. I am not poor and have a business but I just decided to live in a small suite.
Posted by: Rich in Spirit | 12/29/2011 at 01:03 AM
it is crazy small spaces are awful. No wonder people are nuts it is like being in cages.
Posted by: margaret.perrin@sympatico.ca | 12/29/2011 at 01:37 AM
This is a sign of things to come across Canada. Just like an epidemic. The only ones to benefit from this will be the housing authority who owns and operates these dwellings.
Posted by: William | 12/29/2011 at 02:13 AM
Spaces are far to small and way to damned much money.This world is going to hell in a hand cart and it is the innocent hard working public that gets kicked every time. It is about time we all start fighting back. This is a money grabbing mind bending venture, for the rich to get richer. This is all crap in my book!!
Posted by: Sonic | 12/29/2011 at 02:13 AM
Unfortunately, this is very common in european cities.
Posted by: Dee | 12/29/2011 at 02:17 AM
Actual homeless aside...I don't quite understand why the low-income folks of Downtown Vancouver don't move to a cheaper part of town. If you're going to be unemployed and collect welfare don't spend it on room rental in the the most expensive neighbourhood in BC. You can rent a studio in PoCo for $550-600/month - might still not be "cheap" but it's cheaper than Downtown. Get what i'm saying here? I make 50k and can't afford to live downtown, so I moved to the burbs. I'm over simplifying the argument, but there's logic here I feel...
Posted by: thomas | 12/29/2011 at 02:51 AM
I lived quite comfortably in a bit less than 300 sq ft for about 3 years, back in the late 1950's. I LOVED IT! They called them "housekeeping rooms" - mine had one easy chair, a daybed, a small table with 2 chairs, a counter-island thing with shelves and a closet and a two-burner-and-oven cooker. Shared a bathroom with a similarly housed couple.
Posted by: Bettie G | 12/29/2011 at 02:51 AM
This is disgusting and disgraceful the rich get richer the poorer get poorer.
I have been homeless and not by choice people that require some help are unable to get it and it seems anywhere that you go its all about money money money! how about making affordable housing for everyone and just simply helping your fellow man.
I am beside myself what has the world and the people in it come to.
Posted by: Elaine | 12/29/2011 at 02:53 AM