Protestors rally for affordable housing ahead of proposal to build more Vancouver hotel rooms

A protest at Vancouver City Hall underscored the growing discontent among residents and hotel union members regarding a policy to build more hotel rooms. The city council is scheduled to review this proposal, which follows a report indicating a need for 10,000 additional hotel rooms by 2050. Nate Holers, a campaigner with Unite Here Local 40, voiced strong opposition, stating it is disrespectful to prioritize hotels while residents struggle with housing affordability. He pointed to recent byelection outcomes, where candidates advocating for affordable housing were successful, emphasizing that this reflects public sentiment. Holers highlighted that many union members have been displaced from the city, making it difficult to manage long commutes for their jobs.

He urged Mayor Ken Sim and the governing ABC Party to listen to the community’s calls for affordable housing instead of catering to developers of luxury hotels and condos. The protest serves as a clear message that Vancouver residents desire practical solutions to their housing crisis. Holers concluded that the city must take action to ensure workers can live near their workplaces, fostering a healthier community.