Vancouver tries to get a grip on the problem with empty building

Vancouver Task Force Aims to Address Growing Issue of Empty Buildings

Vancouver is facing a significant challenge with the increasing number of empty buildings in the city. In response to this issue, a new Task Force has been established to catalog and address the growing problem.

Saul Schwebs, the city’s main officer, expressed the urgency of finding an effective solution to this problem. Many buildings in Vancouver are left empty by landlords who may delay redevelopment due to low demand and high costs. The reasons for these buildings remaining vacant for extended periods are not entirely known, but they pose a danger and can contribute to urban decline.

Mr. Schwebs acknowledged that determining the exact number of empty buildings will take time, but he hopes to have more information by the fall. The Task Force was formed in response to the demolition of the historic Dunmuir Hotel last year, which was deemed dangerous by the city. This incident highlighted the need to address the issue of abandoned buildings in Vancouver.

One of the key concerns is that empty buildings can attract squatters and become a safety hazard. Mr. Schwebs emphasized the importance of finding ways to keep these buildings occupied until they are ready to be redeveloped or demolished.

The Task Force faces challenges such as identifying absentee landlords and tracing ownership of vacant properties. The development industry’s push to attract foreign investors further complicates the issue.

Local business leaders, such as Michelle Barile and Neil Wyles, have raised concerns about the impact of empty buildings on the community. They point out that high real estate taxes and development policies that prioritize large commercial spaces over affordable housing can displace residents and businesses.

As Vancouver continues to grow and develop, finding sustainable solutions to address the problem of empty buildings will be crucial. The Task Force is committed to taking the time to address this issue effectively and ensure the city’s long-term prosperity. Market conditions have taken a toll on real estate projects, causing many to be put on hold. This has led to disruptions for tenants like Lindsay Gibson, who had to move out of his building on 1270 W. 11th Avenue due to the owner signing up with Rzone for a tower redevelopment. The re-use was approved after a contentious hearing at Town Hall where tenants voiced concerns about their relationship with the landlord.

Feeling uneasy about the redevelopment, Mr. Gibson and his wife decided to take the landlord’s fixed reimbursement and found a new two-bedroom unit in the neighborhood. However, their relief was short-lived as they later discovered that the redevelopment had been put on hold for three to five years.

“It was a frustrating experience for us. We were in a rush to find a new place, and now our former neighbors are left in limbo for years,” said Mr. Gibson, a university professor. The situation is not unique to their building, as other units in the area remain empty due to stalled projects like the 60-storey Tower Downtown on Nelson Street.

“We are working with tenants to address these issues, but it’s a challenging situation,” said Mr. Schwebs. “Leaving properties empty is not a solution, and we need to find ways to prevent neglect in our city.”

As market conditions continue to impact real estate developments, tenants like Mr. Gibson are left navigating uncertain housing situations. It is crucial for landlords and developers to consider the implications of putting projects on hold and work towards finding solutions that prioritize the well-being of tenants.