Part of a Bigger Strategy – Frequently asked questions

Q: How does this initiative fit in with everything else that is being done in the DTES?

A: It is happening at the same time as other social support improvements being introduced by the provincial government. These include the development of 1,200 new social housing units on City land, upgrades to SRO hotels bought by the province, and improvements to mental health and addiction services. This initiative is being coordinated with activities underway in the City’s Downtown Eastside Revitalization program, Project Civil City, the Vancouver Agreement, and the 2010 Winter Games Inner-city Inclusivity Commitments made by VANOC and the three levels of government.

Q: Are these smaller cleanup projects being done at the expense of bigger issues like housing and mental health services for the homeless because of an Olympics timeline?

A: These projects do not replace the need for a concerted effort to address the larger issues of homelessness, housing, drug addiction and mental health concerns in the neighbourhood. These issues are the primary responsibility of senior levels of government and are being tackled by provincial government groups such as BC Housing which is building 1,200 new units of social housing. The Mental Health Commission of Canada will be funding research in Vancouver that explores mental health issues amongst those that are homeless. The City is directing policy and playing a supporting and advocacy role through such programs as Project Civil City, the Housing Centre, the Drug Policy program and Social Planning.

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