The City of Vancouver’s council has unanimously approved its first seniors’ housing strategy, designed to enhance affordable housing and support for older residents. The strategy aims to increase housing options for seniors, ensure housing designs meet their needs, and provide relocation protections for those in community care and assisted living facilities facing redevelopment.
The plan also emphasizes forming partnerships with the provincial government to secure additional funding and support. B.C.’s seniors’ advocate, Dan Levitt, praised the strategy for its comprehensive approach and its focus on ensuring seniors can age in their preferred neighborhoods. Michael Volker from 411 Seniors Centre Society welcomed the strategy but suggested it falls short in addressing the need for more below-market rentals for seniors. He noted a significant increase in housing issues among seniors seeking support, with over 20% of Vancouver’s homeless population being seniors, according to the city’s 2023 homeless count.
ABC Coun. Mike Klassen acknowledged that while the strategy outlines a roadmap for creating below-market units, its success relies on provincial funding. The city plans to advocate for this partnership as part of the strategy. Klassen emphasized that providing housing and support for seniors is a high priority for the city, especially given the growing senior population. With seniors currently making up 30% of Vancouver’s population and expected to increase significantly over the next two decades, the strategy reflects the city’s commitment to addressing the needs of its aging residents.
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