St. James Community Service Society has been selected by BC Housing to develop, manage and operate an innovative project at Vancouver's former Remand Centre.

The project involves creating 95 units of affordable housing at 211 Gore Ave. in Vancouver, including 37 units of supported housing through the Bladerunners program. The development is expected to be completed by mid-2013.

"Working together with the Province, the City of Vancouver and our other partners, we look forward to adding the Gore Avenue development to our range of housing options, serving the people who will live there and helping build a stronger, more vibrant local community," says St. James executive director Jonathan Oldman.

 "As our society celebrates its 50th anniversary, we’re particularly conscious of how our history is intertwined with that of the local neighbourhood around this development, where the organization was originally founded."

Says Rich Coleman, Minister Responsible for Housing, "This development will help increase the supply of affordable rental housing in the Vancouver downtown core."

"I extend my congratulations to St. James Community Service Society, for being selected as the official non-profit operator for this unique project. This partnership will benefit not only future tenants but also the community at large."

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson says, "We have made positive progress towards the goal of ending street homelessness by 2015, and innovative housing developments like this one are helping us meet the critical needs of our most vulnerable citizens.

"The affordable housing at Gore Avenue will provide residents with the support and skills training to create a better future for themselves and the community."

• Seven floors of housing
• 95 self-contained units – 14 one bedroom & 81 studio suites
• 37 suites on 2 floors will be operated by Bladerunners for program participants
• 24 units will be rented at the shelter component of Income Assistance (currently $375 per month) and the balance of the units will be rented at a level affordable to individuals within the CMHC Housing Income Level (HIL). The HIL for Vancouver for a studio apartment for 2011 is $32,500 and $36,300 for a one-bedroom.
• Studio suites will range in size from 332 to 485 sq ft. One bedroom suites will range in size from 425 to590 sq ft.
• Capital funding for the project is being provided by the Province of BC and the City of Vancouver.

Key Elements:

• This is an innovative, sustainable, repurposing of an existing building that will create 95 affordable homes for people in the Downtown Eastside at a far lower cost than building a new structure.
• It takes an existing provincial asset and turns  it into a community asset that will provide housing for people, including participants in the Bladerunners trades training program.­
• The Vancouver Remand Centre was opened in 1973, and one of the lead architects was Richard Henriquez, who is the father of noted local architect Gregory Henriquez who is the architect for this revitalization project. This is a continuation of Gregory`s work in the Downtown Eastside that includes the Woodward`s development.
• This project will create an opportunity for Bladerunners to provide stable housing for their program participants.

Frequently asked questions: 

• Will this be a for-profit development?

No. The apartments will all be rentals operated by St. James Community Service Society. 37 of the suites will be made available to participants in the Bladerunners program. 24 of the 95 units will be rented at the shelter component of Income assistance and the balance of the units will be rented at a level affordable to individuals within the CMHC Housing Income Level (HIL). The HIL for Vancouver for a studio apartment for 2011 is $32,500 and $36,300 for a one-bedroom.

The 211 Gore Street project will provide a continuum of affordable housing to meet the diversity of residents in the Downtown Eastside in need of housing. There is a need for housing for those who can afford to pay the shelter component of income assistance, and there is a need for affordable rental housing for those who can pay more. The objective of the 211 Gore Street redevelopment is for the project to operate without subsidy. A range of rental rates will allow for this model to be successful.

• What is the role of Bladerunners in getting 37 apartments in this building?

Bladerunners was created in 1994 during the construction of GM Place in Vancouver. It was founded with the purpose of matching construction needs with opportunities for Inner City youth. These units will be for individuals in the Bladerunners program that are working but still require some support services.

• Why is this good for the Downtown Eastside community?

The redevelopment of the former Remand Centre will add a significant number of new rental suites to the neighbourhood and is another example of the respective partners' commitment to supporting renewal and revitalization of the Downtown Eastside.

Watch Global TV's October 13 news item featuring an interview with Jonathan Oldman.

Read BC Housing's announcement.