First Granville SRO Hotel Residents Relocated, Future of Other Two Remains Uncertain
Albert Ouimette is finally bidding farewell to his home of nearly six years—the Luugat Hotel at 1176 Granville Street in Vancouver. He and his dog Diesel are moving to a modular housing project in south Vancouver, marking the beginning of a relocation effort for residents of three aging single-room occupancy (SRO) hotels on Granville Street.
"A Gong Show" of Unruly Tenants and Drug Use
Speaking outside the Luugat, Ouimette described living there as "a gong show," with many unruly tenants and rampant drug use. His experience reflects broader concerns that have plagued the Granville Entertainment District in recent years. Businesses and residents have increasingly blamed the three SRO buildings—the Luugat, St. Helen’s, and the Granville Villa—for the area's decline, citing rising public disorder, theft, vandalism, and other crimes.
The Luugat, which the province purchased during the COVID-19 pandemic and converted into rapid social housing, has been a particular target for complaints. This week, B.C. Housing Minister Christine Boyle and Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim released details of an agreement to eventually relocate all tenants from these three hotels, replacing them with 280 self-contained units of social housing outside the district.
Relocation Underway but Timelines Unclear
While the Luugat is set to close by June—coinciding with the arrival of the World Cup in Vancouver—the timeline for the other two SROs remains uncertain. B.C. Housing staff have been meeting with Luugat residents since late last year to assess housing needs, and there has been a "steady stream" of residents moving out. Former resident Kevin Doig, now settled in a Downtown Eastside social housing building, estimates the Luugat is almost half empty.
However, neither the City of Vancouver nor the B.C. Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs responded to questions about plans for St. Helen’s and the Granville Villa, including when residents will be relocated or when the new social housing units might be created. This lack of clarity has frustrated local business owners like Dave Kershaw, who owns the Cabana Lounge directly below St. Helen’s.
Business Impacts and Ongoing Issues
Kershaw reports that his business continues to face weekly flooding and safety problems linked to the SRO upstairs. Although B.C. Housing covered the cost of replacing a section of the club’s ceiling two months ago, new leaks have already reappeared in the same spot. "They haven’t committed to any timeframe. They’ve just committed to doing it," Kershaw said, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the relocation efforts.
The relocation of Ouimette and other Luugat residents represents a critical first step in addressing the challenges posed by these SRO hotels. Yet, with no clear strategy or schedule for the other two buildings, the future of Granville Street’s revitalization remains in limbo, leaving tenants and businesses alike awaiting further details from provincial and city officials.
