The City of Vancouver is proposing policy changes that will increase social and below-market rental housing options in the Downtown Eastside (DTES), including for those living in Single Room Occupancy buildings (SROs). The proposed changes follow City Council direction to explore policy updates that would make it easier and more affordable for governments, non-profits, and the private sector to build low-income housing and replace aging SROs. 

Proposed changes include: 

• Updating the policy for Inclusionary Social Housing in the Downtown Eastside Oppenheimer District (DEOD):  
• Decreasing from 60% social housing and 40% secured market rental to 80% secured market rental housing and 20% social housing. 
• Leveraging private development to deliver Below-Market Rental Housing in the DEOD and Thornton Park: 
• Requiring 10% of units at deeply discounted rents. These developments will come with strong tenant protections for existing residents. 
• Increasing the allowable height and density: 
• In some areas, up to 32 stories to support SRO replacement, private below-market rental housing, and inclusionary social housing developments. 
• Aligning the definition of social housing with government funding programs:  
• Adjusting the requirements from a minimum of 33% of units at shelter rate of income assistance, to a minimum of 30% of units at or below Housing Income Limits, with at least 20% of units at the shelter rate for income assistance. 
• Streamline development to accelerate SRO replacement: 
• Making development faster through City-initiated rezoning, new heritage processes, and relaxing some SRO policies will allow SRO replacement to be delivered at a faster rate. 

Learn more and get involved: 

• Online: Visit the website to explore informational boards and a summary of the proposed changes share thoughts through a survey. 
• Public Information Session: Join the City on Monday, May 12, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Japanese Hall (487 Alexander Street) to learn more and ask questions. 
• Workshops for Organizations: Workshops will be held for community groups and organizations serving or based in the DTES. Details are available on the website. 

Please visit shapeyourcity.ca/dtes-housing to learn more and complete the survey by May 16. 

March 4, 2025

On February 25th, Council received a report for information providing a progress update on the November 2023 motion to explore actions to improve housing and wellness outcomes in the Downtown East Side (DTES). 

In exploring options to update the DTES Plan, various suggestions were noted, including: 

• SRO Replacement with Below-Market Rental Housing – The City is considering allowing private developers to replace aging SRO buildings with below-market rental housing with deeper affordability than current policies.
• Changes to Inclusionary Housing Policy in the Downtown Eastside Oppenheimer District (DEOD) – The existing policy requiring 60% social housing and 40% market rental is being reviewed due to financial viability concerns. Adjustments to this policy could impact the feasibility of mixed-use developments in the DEOD.
• Exploring increased heights and densities for social and supportive housing and for the updated inclusionary and new below-market rental housing option. Additional changes to other policies, such as heritage and view cones, are also being analyzed to increase viability and support housing delivery. Tenant relocation policies will be considered as an important tool to ensure existing residents have housing options to suit their needs.
• Citywide Incentives for Deeply Discounted Below-Market Rental Housing – The City is looking at ways to encourage private sector participation in below-market rental housing beyond the DTES. 

During the meeting, Council directed staff to determine total funding for non-profit and non-governmental organizations operating in the DTES to understand service provision and delivery outcomes. 

More information can be found in the full report by City staff.