Frequently asked questions
What is Temporary Modular Housing?
Temporary modular housing is supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness. It provides housing quickly to those who need it most with 24/7 staff. An experienced non-profit housing operator provides support services to tenants and manages the building. Temporary modular housing is a collection of studio apartments and each home has it’s own kitchen and bathroom. Each home is assembled in a factory and transported to Vancouver, where they are constructed into a three-storey building. The structure is given a modern façade and each home is fully furnished and tenants are provided with the essentials of living, including linens and dishes. The building includes a commercial kitchen, laundry, meeting rooms and an amenity space for tenants to use. At least 10 per cent of homes in each building are wheelchair accessible.
Why is the City proposing these changes?
Given the continued need for deeply affordable supportive housing across the city and the important role that TMH plays in supporting those currently at risk of homelessness, the proposed changes would maximize the use of these sites, without impacting plans for permanent development.
Which properties will this apply to?
The Zoning and Development By-Law (ZDBL) establishes regulations for the development of land in Vancouver and as a result, the amended bylaw would be applicable city-wide to existing and future TMH sites.
However, the specific permitted time frame for each site would continue to be managed by a License Agreement, and whether a site took advantage of the new maximum term would depend on the site’s redevelopment timelines.
If approved, will the ZDBL amendments automatically apply to the development permits of existing TMH sites?
If the ZDBL amendments are approved by Council at a Public Hearing, the development permit extensions will automatically apply to existing sites once the by-law is enacted, shortly after approval.
What happens if the City does not approve the extension to the development permits for TMH?
TMH will continue to operate to the maximum extent of the development permit and lease agreement. In preparation for the expiration date of the development permit, BC Housing and the non-profit operator will begin the decommissioning process including applying for permits to begin disassembling the units. The tenants on site will be relocated to another home that meets their needs and that is affordable to them prior to decommissioning the building.
What will happen to City-owned sites when the development permit expires?
City-owned sites with TMH are reviewed in advance of the development permit expiration to determine how best to utilize the site once tenants have been relocated and the TMH building decommissioned, including possible redevelopment of the site to permanent social housing or alternatively the sites will be vacant until redeveloped.
How are existing TMH tenants protected when the buildings are relocated?
BC Housing, the City of Vancouver and the non-profit housing providers operating TMH sites, are committed to ensuring that when buildings need to be relocated, tenants are offered alternative homes that are affordable and meet their needs. All partners work closely with each tenant to ensure they are supported to move into their new home.
The City’s Tenant Relocation and Protection Policy applies when TMH buildings are being relocated. This policy provides assistance and protections to eligible renters impacted by redevelopment activity.
To learn more visit Tenant Relocation and Protection Policy (TRPP) | City of Vancouver