SRO set to close in the Granville Entertainment District in 2026

The Luugat SRO in Vancouver's Granville Entertainment District is set to close by June 2026, prompting BC Housing to seek alternative housing options for its residents. Local officials, including Mayor Ken Sim, support the decision, citing a need to improve safety and reduce street disorder in the area. Members of the Hospitality Vancouver Association have welcomed the closure, emphasizing the importance of revitalizing this historic entertainment hub. BC Housing announced it will evaluate future options for other SROs, like the St. Helen’s Hotel and Granville Villa, although no immediate plans are in place for those facilities.

Harm-reduction advocate Guy Felicella noted that this closure was anticipated and highlighted the need for proper support for displaced residents. He recalled similar actions taken during the 2010 Olympics, raising concerns about potential patterns related to major events like FIFA. The province intends to relocate tenants over the coming months based on their specific needs and housing availability. This initiative signifies a broader effort to enhance community safety and improve living conditions in the Granville Entertainment District.