Huge empty Granville Island building could become 'labyrinth of art, music, dance, food and drink'

Emily Carr University of Art and Design and The Narrow Group are proposing to transform the vacant ECUAD North Building on Granville Island into an Arts and Innovation Hub. The space, which has been unoccupied since 2017, offers a unique opportunity for revitalization as the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation seeks ideas for adaptive cultural reuse. Their plan includes affordable studio spaces, event venues for community gatherings, and an emphasis on Indigenous cultural programming. Duprey highlighted the vision of a lively environment where artists and the community can engage and collaborate. The proposal also aims to keep the area active in the evenings with cultural events.

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is currently evaluating their proposal alongside another submission from arts group 221A. Both groups submitted their ideas before the end of 2024, and CMHC has not indicated any other proposals are under consideration. The final decision regarding the building's future rests with CMHC.