Red tape delays construction of Vancouver detox, social housing project approved 4 years ago

published on March 7, 2023 by Kristen Robinson in Global News

Stakeholders are frustrated a massive detox and social housing project approved by Vancouver city council more than four years ago is being held up by bureaucratic red tape.

The concerns come as the BC Coroners Service reports nearly seven people died per day of suspected illicit drug overdoses in January.

The potentially game-changing facility will be built on city-owned land on the north side of East 1st Avenue between Clark Drive and McLean Drive.

Most of the city’s rental properties on that one block stretch are vacant but a handful of tenants, including Dan Zubkoff, are enjoying an extended stay since construction has yet to start.

“I’m glad I didn’t move out sooner when they were asking us to move out,” the tenant told Global News in an interview Tuesday…