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Vancouver Revamps Housing Policy for Social Upgrades

12/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The City of Vancouver approved a shift in Downtown Eastside housing policy to replace single room occupancy (SRO) buildings with upgraded social housing.
City council updated zoning regulations on Tuesday to enable this shift.
Mayor Ken Sim said aging SROs deteriorated because of regulatory barriers.
New rules will allow higher height and density for projects with at least 20% social housing, and the city will back Task Force Barrage.

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Story summary

The City of Vancouver approved a shift in Downtown Eastside housing policy to replace single room occupancy (SRO) buildings with upgraded social housing.
City council updated zoning regulations on Tuesday to enable this shift.
Mayor Ken Sim said aging SROs deteriorated because of regulatory barriers.
New rules will allow higher height and density for projects with at least 20% social housing, and the city will back Task Force Barrage.