The SRO Renewal initiative (SRi) is a public-private partnership to renovate and restore 13 provincially-owned Single Room Occupancy hotels in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

These 13 Single Room Occupancy hotels (SROs) are over 100 years old with structural, plumbing and electrical infrastructure that requires extensive renovations to extend the life these buildings. These upgrades will ensure that the buildings are safe, affordable and energy efficient - and protected over the long term for individuals who are at risk of homelessness. In addition to the upgrades, the 13 aging hotels will be restored, preserving their heritage features and the historic character of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

The Government of Canada will contribute up to $29.1 million through the P3 Canada Fund towards eligible construction and implementation costs. The Province will contribute $87.3 million towards construction and implementation costs and additional funding over a 15-year maintenance period.

BC Housing will work in partnership with the SRO operators to support them and the residents during the renovation process. The renovations will be phased to minimize the disruption for the approximately 900 residents who currently live in these buildings. Residents impacted by the renovation process will be provided alternate accommodation and supports. All efforts will be made to relocate the residents nearby so they can maintain access to all of the support services they require.

The Marble Arch and Gastown hotels will be the first hotels renovated. The renovation process is expected to start in late 2012.

A Request for Proposal call was issued in February to select a successful proponent. BC Housing will work with the successful proponent to determine the schedule for the rollout of the remaining buildings. Renovations to the 13 buildings will be completed over the next several years.