Vancouver, BC; September 1, 2022 – Mayor Kennedy Stewart says a City of Vancouver appeal designed to maintain landmark vacancy control bylaws in single-room occupancy (SRO) buildings is about standing up for those who are most at risk of homelessness.

“We need to use every tool we have to protect this fragile housing stock, and I am hopeful the Court of Appeals will side with the City and the important work we are doing to protect our neighbours from living on the street,” said Mayor Stewart.

Mayor Stewart noted that despite a record 1,600 new social housing units opened in Vancouver in 2021 alone, demand was far outstripping supply and leading to more people being forced onto the street. Fires in several SROs have also exacerbated the situation.

“Everyone deserves to have a warm, safe place to call home, that’s why we put an end to rapid rent increases in SROs with a landmark vacancy control bylaw. Our move to appeal the B.C. Supreme Court ruling is about standing up for those who are most at risk of homelessness.”

The City of Vancouver is also applying for a stay of the Court’s requirement to destroy data collected from property owners.