B.C. housing minister says situation at single-tenant Granville SRO ‘not ideal’
Housing Minister Christine Boyle said she shares the public's frustration on this issue and that the government is working to close the building down.
B.C.'s housing minister has addressed concerns about the operational costs of the single-tenant Granville SRO, known as the Luugat, in Vancouver. Despite the province's promise to close the building and relocate residents, the facility remains open, operating on a monthly budget of $101,000. B.C.'s housing minister, Christine Boyle, acknowledged the public's frustration with the situation and stated that the government is actively working to close the building and move the remaining tenant, who has a seizure disorder and requires an elevator access and a larger unit.
Boyle emphasized that the costs of maintaining the building are high due to its size and the specific needs of the lone resident. Downtown Van, a local organization, has written another letter to the provincial government, demanding a timeline for the Luugat's closure, along with two other publicly-owned SROs - the St. Helen's Hotel and Granville Villa.
Jane Talbot, president and CEO of Downtown Van, expressed frustration with the current housing situation, noting that it fails to meet the needs of the people and contributes to homelessness on Granville Street. Boyle assured that the province is close to closing the Luugat, with over 80 tenants already relocated to suitable housing.
However, four former Luugat residents moved to Granville Villa, despite the government's commitment to relocate tenants outside of the entertainment district.
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