Vancouver and Victoria business owners call for urgent reforms to supportive housing amid rising fires, crime, and closures affecting local economies.
Long-Time Business Owners Reeling from Repeated Disruptions
In Vancouver’s entertainment district, nightclub owner Alan Goodall is facing what he calls the worst period in his 16-year tenure. Located in the former Howard Johnson hotel on Granville Street—converted into supportive housing in 2020—his venue, Aura Nightclub, has suffered repeated damages, including three ceiling collapses in the past month due to fires. “It’s never been this bad,” Goodall said, following the latest fire on Wednesday that once again shut down operations.
Chronic Emergency Calls Spark Safety Concerns
Since its conversion, the supportive housing site has seen 906 fire department responses, including 43 fires and 375 medical incidents, according to Vancouver Fire Rescue Services. The recent blaze, caused by a locking butane torch often used to smoke drugs, left two injured and displaced all residents overnight. Police activity at the site has also surged, from just 65 calls in 2019 to over 970 in 2021, with current numbers averaging two calls a day.
Provincial Acquisition Meets Downtown Backlash
The B.C. government acquired the property to address homelessness but local business groups now say the placement has brought unintended consequences. Laura Ballance of the Hospitality Vancouver Association criticized the “failed experiment” of placing such facilities in high-density business areas, stating repeated engagement with B.C. Housing has yielded little change.
Victoria Business Owners Voice Similar Frustrations
Concerns extend beyond Vancouver. In a new report, the Downtown Victoria Business Association revealed 48% of surveyed businesses are unsure or unwilling to renew leases due to neighbourhood conditions. CEO Jeff Bray called for immediate action, saying, “The data is clear: downtown businesses cannot wait three to five more years.”
Government Acknowledges Problem, But Timeline Unclear
Mayor Ken Sim expressed empathy for struggling businesses and confirmed he has urged provincial Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon to relocate supportive housing from the entertainment district. Kahlon, while reiterating that supportive housing “works,” committed to backing Vancouver’s revitalization plan—though without a specific timeframe.
Businesses Demand Immediate Relocation, Not Promises
As fire crews repaired damage at Aura Nightclub, Goodall voiced deep frustration. “I don’t even know if I’ll be open this weekend,” he said. “I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.” Sim emphasized urgency, warning that delays will only bring more press conferences—likely less cooperative ones.
Community at a Crossroads
The struggle highlights a growing tension between supporting vulnerable populations and maintaining safe, viable commercial districts. As Vancouver and Victoria push for reform, the future of downtown economic life may hinge on how quickly government leaders respond to business owners’ calls for change.
For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.
