Why did the Province purchase the SROs?

The single room occupancy (SRO) hotels were purchased to preserve this important stock of affordable housing for low-income people who are risk of homelessness. Many SROs in downtown Vancouver were sold in 2006 and 2007, with the potential for use as more expensive forms of housing. The provincial purchase of these SROs means this stock of affordable housing will remain available to those in need, removing the option of private sector acquisition for conversion or closure.

The City of Vancouver has identified preserving the existing SRO stock as an important priority in addressing homelessness. The Province is acting with the city to help preserve this stock while we plan and build new affordable housing units.

The purchase also provides the opportunity to repair and renovate these rooms to bring them up to an acceptable standard so people feel more safe and secure. In the long term, there will be opportunities to provide support services for the tenants.