Commercial Drive's northern end sees three new social housing projects approved
A 21-storey tower with 40 social housing units is set for a July 16 council vote, building on two prior approvals that have added 284 supportive homes to the neighbourhood.
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Vancouver City Council will vote on July 16 on a third social housing project for northern Commercial Drive, as the neighbourhood becomes a hub for supportive housing developments.
In December 2023, council approved an 18-storey mixed-use building with 191 social housing units at the southeast corner of Commercial Drive and Pender Street. In July 2024, council approved a 15-storey building with 93 social housing units at Commercial Drive and Adanac Street.
The new proposal calls for a 21-storey tower at the northwest corner of Commercial Drive and Pender Street, housing 239 market rental units and 40 social housing apartments in an adjacent six-storey building. All 40 social housing units would rent at the shelter component of income assistance — $500 per month in British Columbia — and would be operated as supportive housing with on-site support services.
The project is a partnership between developer Cressey and the Kettle Society. If approved, Cressey will retain the western portion for the market rental tower and transfer the eastern portion to Kettle, which will own and operate the social housing. BC Housing would own the air rights and grant a long-term lease to Kettle.
The social service centre would replace the existing Kettle drop-in centre on Venables Street and include a nurse, ID bank, advocacy department, supported employment programs, and homeless outreach services.
In public feedback, approximately 116 submissions were received. While many supported delivery of social housing and redevelopment of a vacant site, residents expressed concerns about excessive height, impacts on neighbourhood livability, and what some called an "oversaturation of social and supportive housing." Some said the project is not in keeping with the Grandview-Woodland Community Plan.
The surrounding neighbourhood already has several established social service centres and community spaces, including the Kettle Society facility and the Urban Native Youth Association on Hastings Street.
