Vancouver mayor pushing province to move SROs away from Granville Entertainment District

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim demands that the provincial government expedite the relocation of single-room occupancy (SRO) supportive housing from the Granville Entertainment District. During a press event with local business owners and the police chief, he noted that while BC Housing has begun closing the Luugat, timelines for the St. Helen’s Hotel and Granville Villa remain unclear. Sim argues that these SROs contribute to instability and crime in the district, negatively affecting businesses and public perception. He calls for immediate action to create new involuntary mental health-care beds in the city.

“This is about saving lives, this is about protecting businesses,” Sim emphasized. The mayor's push reflects a broader concern over public safety and economic vitality in Vancouver's downtown area. Historically, the Granville Entertainment District has struggled with crime linked to SROs, prompting calls for reform. Without decisive action, local leaders fear ongoing deterioration in community trust and safety.