In early November, the city of Vancouver plans to convert the Quality Inn Hotel (1335 Howe Street) into 157 units of temporary housing for the homeless and those currently camping in the Oppenheimer Park.

This project will cost $66,725 in rent per month over the two-year agreement, amounting to a total cost of about $1.53 million, with the first month rent being free. Vancouver Coastal Health will also be involved to provide health care to the occupants.

The city has not chosen an operator or agency that has experience working with the homeless, but they plan to roll out this project within the next 1.5 months. The project was not brought forth by the city in a public hearing in order to allow for local residents and businesses to voice their opinions and concerns.

The City of Vancouver is cutting corners with this project and needs to be held accountable for not properly presenting this project to the public. If you agree that the citizens of Vancouver deserve a say in this tax-payer funded project, please sign the petition.

Relevant Articles:

http://www.vancourier.com/news/social-housing-project-generates-729-police-calls-in-first-16-months-1.1385917

http://www.theprovince.com/news/Tensions+near+boiling+point+Vancouver+Oppenheimer+

Park+tent+city+officials/10236002/story.html

http://www.news1130.com/2014/09/24/city-of-vancouver-turning-downtown-hotel-into-temporary-housing-for-homeless/