[jollyburger]

New BC Housing project surprises Vancouver small businesses

“If this shelter comes in, I’m not staying—I’m absolutely going to move,” says Anila Frroku, who co-owns the Italian fashion outlet Motrati. “Nobody seems to care if a small business will survive or how something like this will affect your business.”

Located at 1450 West 12th Ave., Chalmers Lodge was purchased by BC Housing in April 2023 and will provide supportive housing to more than 100 low-income seniors, Indigenous people, women and other equity-denied groups.

It was slated for opening in the spring but a change in contractor and unanticipated renovation work has moved that timeframe into “the coming weeks,” according to a statement issued by BC Housing.

A webpage outlining the project has been established by the Crown corporation, but no formal notification has gone out to nearby businesses or residents—and therein lies the rub.

“Of course we are frustrated—we pay huge rent and taxes every month and yet we know nothing,” said Eyes for You co-owner Brigitte Reymond-Peter. “Why are we finding out about this from a journalist?”

BIV spoke to roughly 40 businesses spanning 10th to 14th avenues along Granville Street and none had received any communication from the province or city. Two-thirds of the businesses knew nothing of Chalmers Lodge, while those who did found out from customers or through the media.

https://www.biv.com/news/real-estate...nesses-9662114