Expropriating rundown DTES hotels has community leaders hoping slumlords receive a message

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Vancouver’s recent takeover of two derelict hotels in the Downtown Eastside has community leaders hoping all slumlords get the message and they could be next.

Fiona York with the Carnegie Community Action Project in the Downtown Eastside says those two rooming houses aren’t the only ones which warrant expropriation.

“Sending a message to slumlords and sending a message that this can’t be allowed to happen, that sensitivity has to continue with what happens next, whatever happens with those buildings has to reflect community concerns.”

Although, replacements can’t be rushed even though the need for more housing in the Downtown Eastside is urgent York says.

“They have this tremendous history and impact in the community,” she says.

“They do need to be treated in a very sensitive manner that involves consulting with community about what they’d like to see done with them.”

And Mayor Kennedy Stewart agrees the wishes of the people who once lived there must be respected.

“Erasing that memory of suffering and putting housing in there that’s going to really work for the community. You know, that was really the intent.”

He says he will not be ruling out taking more action against other landlords who refuse to make sure all homes are safe.

“What happens with other rooming houses in the city, we’ll take a close look into,” he says.

“I know that there’s some thoughts on council that we might bring forward changes to these single room hotels and how they’re administered.”

A lawyer for the current owners, the Sahota family, has indicated they will challenge expropriation in court, but no action has been taken yet.