Over the past five years, a troubling trend has been emerging in the heart of Vancouver. Five single-room occupancy (SRO) and supportive housing properties have collectively generated an astounding 30,904 calls to the police. This alarming figure is not just a statistic – it represents a growing crisis that is impacting the safety and well-being of residents and the broader community alike.
These numbers aren’t just high—they’re skyrocketing. In 2023 alone, these five properties accounted for 5,888 police calls, averaging 16 emergency calls each day. Such frequent demands on law enforcement not only strain resources but also highlight deep-seated issues within these housing facilities that urgently need addressing.
The data, obtained by Daily Hive Urbanized through a Freedom of Information request to the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), paints a stark picture of escalating criminal activity and public disorder. It’s a wake-up call for city officials, law enforcement, and community leaders to take decisive action before the situation deteriorates further.
A Staggering Number of Police Calls
The sheer volume of police calls emanating from these properties is unprecedented. Between 2019 and 2023, each of these five locations averaged approximately 6,180 police calls. To put that into perspective, that’s nearly 17 calls per day over five years for each property—a rate that is unsustainable and indicative of systemic problems.
The properties in question are:
- Hotel Canada SRO (518 Richards Street) – 150 units.
- Murray Hotel SRO (1119 Hornby Street) – 105 units.
- The Metson Rooms & Shelter (1060 Howe Street) – 100 supportive housing units and 40 shelter spaces.
- Former Howard Johnson Hotel (1176 Granville Street) – 110 units, converted into supportive housing in 2020.
- Former Ramada Inn Hotel (435 West Pender Street) – 80 units, converted into supportive housing in 2020.
These properties were intended to provide affordable housing solutions and support for vulnerable populations. However, the data suggests they have become epicentres of criminal activity, placing immense pressure on emergency services and raising serious concerns about public safety.
The Properties at the Centre of the Storm
The Howard Johnson property stands out as particularly problematic. Since its conversion into supportive housing in 2020, the situation has deteriorated significantly. The total number of police calls surged by 118%, from 733 in 2019 to 1,596 in 2023. This dramatic increase signals more than just growing pains; it indicates a fundamental failure in managing the property’s transition to supportive housing.
Even more alarming is the 525% surge in weapons-related calls over the same period. In 2019, there were eight such calls—roughly one every 46 days. By 2023, that number had skyrocketed to 50, equating to one weapons call every seven days. These aren’t just numbers; they represent real incidents that threaten the safety of both residents and the surrounding community.
This escalating trend isn’t confined to the Howard Johnson. The Metson Rooms has also seen a significant uptick in weapons calls, increasing by 174% from 19 calls in 2019 to 52 in 2023. Over the first eight months of 2024 alone, 25 weapons calls have already been recorded at this property, suggesting that the situation is not improving.
The implications are profound. These properties were meant to be safe havens for those in need, yet they have become hotspots for violence and criminal activity. This not only jeopardizes the residents who live there but also undermines public trust in supportive housing initiatives.
A Surge in Weapons-Related Incidents
The former Ramada Inn presents a similarly distressing picture. Police calls increased by 64%, from 484 in 2019 to 793 in 2023. While the initial conversion of the property into supportive housing was intended to address homelessness and provide essential services, the reality has been far less optimistic.
Weapons-related incidents at the Ramada Inn have risen sharply. In 2019, there were 13 such calls. By 2023, that number had nearly tripled to 37—a 185% increase. As of August 2024, 18 weapons calls have already been logged, indicating that this year may surpass previous records.
These increases aren’t mere statistical anomalies; they point to systemic issues within the management and operation of these facilities. The concentration of vulnerable individuals without adequate support structures appears to have created environments where crime can flourish.
The combined total calls for service at the Howard Johnson and The Metson Rooms throughout 2023 reached a staggering 3,280 calls. This translates to police being called to these two properties nine times each day—1.5 calls every four hours on average. Such frequent demands not only strain policing resources but also divert attention from other areas in need, potentially putting more communities at risk.
Impact on Surrounding Communities
The repercussions of these alarming statistics extend far beyond the walls of the troubled properties. Increased crime and disorder ripple outward, affecting surrounding residential neighbourhoods and business districts. Families with children, seniors, and local businesses find themselves grappling with safety concerns as they navigate daily life in proximity to these hotspots.
Residents report a palpable decline in their quality of life. Streets that were once considered safe are now fraught with uncertainty. Public spaces, parks, and community centres are underutilized due to fears of encountering criminal activity or disorderly behaviour. This not only affects social cohesion but also undermines the very fabric of community life.
Local businesses are feeling the strain as well. Theft, vandalism, and a diminishing customer base wary of the area’s reputation have financial implications that can lead to closures and economic decline. Entrepreneurs who once invested in the vibrancy of downtown Vancouver are now reconsidering their commitments, which could have long-term impacts on the city’s economic health.
Moreover, property values in these areas may decline as safety concerns grow, affecting homeowners and investors alike. The cumulative effect is a community caught in a downward spiral, where fear and uncertainty overshadow the sense of belonging and pride that once existed.
Strain on Emergency Services
The pressure on emergency services extends beyond law enforcement. In 2022, Vancouver Fire Rescue Services reported that one SRO was involved in 504 emergency calls, with 300 related to smoking cigarettes or drugs. Such high volumes of calls for single properties are unsustainable and divert critical resources from other emergencies that require immediate attention.
Healthcare services are equally overburdened. Premier David Eby highlighted that one individual from the Downtown Eastside (DTES) made 180 hospital visits last year. Furthermore, four patients visited the emergency room more than 140 times, while 612 others went ten times or more. These figures reveal a troubling cycle of repeated emergencies among people with overlapping health and addiction problems.
The frequent utilization of emergency services by a small segment of the population indicates gaps in preventative care and long-term support. Emergency rooms and first responders are not equipped to provide ongoing mental health and addiction treatment, yet they often serve as the first point of contact. This misallocation of resources hampers the overall efficiency of the healthcare system and can lead to burnout among medical professionals.
The financial implications are significant as well. The cost of emergency services is substantial, and when repeatedly allocated to the same individuals or locations, it represents a drain on public funds that could be better invested in comprehensive solutions.
The Downtown Eastside’s Ongoing Challenges
The DTES has long been a focal point of Vancouver’s struggles with addiction, mental health issues, and homelessness. Between January 2021 and August 2024, a single resident called the police 629 times, primarily about public disorder, drug activity, and disturbances around Main and Hastings Streets. This situation underscores the complex challenges faced by both the community and the authorities tasked with maintaining order.
Despite numerous initiatives and significant funding directed toward the area, the problems persist and, by some measures, have worsened. The concentration of services and supportive housing in the DTES may have inadvertently created an environment where issues are compounded rather than alleviated.
Local residents and business owners express frustration over the lack of effective action. Many feel that their concerns are not being heard, leading to a sense of disenfranchisement. The stigma associated with the DTES also impacts those who are trying to improve their circumstances, as they may face discrimination or reduced opportunities due to their address alone.
Law enforcement faces the delicate task of balancing the enforcement of laws with compassion for vulnerable populations. This tightrope walk often leads to criticism from all sides—either for being too heavy-handed or not doing enough to ensure public safety. The result is a strained relationship between the community and those sworn to protect it.
Re-evaluating Current Policies
The escalating number of police and emergency calls suggests that current strategies are failing to address the root causes of the problem. While providing housing is a critical component of supporting vulnerable populations, the data indicates that simply converting buildings into supportive housing without adequate support services is insufficient—and may even exacerbate existing issues.
It’s time to question whether the current model of concentrating at-risk individuals in specific locations is effective. The evidence suggests that this approach may lead to environments where negative behaviours are reinforced, and support services are overwhelmed.
A more holistic approach is needed—one that integrates mental health services, addiction treatment, and social support into the housing model. This could involve on-site medical professionals, counsellors, and programs aimed at rehabilitation and community integration. By addressing the underlying issues that lead to repeated emergency calls, we can begin to break the cycle that currently traps so many.
Accountability measures for the management of these facilities are also crucial. Ensuring that property managers are adequately trained and that there are clear protocols for handling incidents can help reduce the frequency of emergency calls. Collaboration between housing providers, law enforcement, and social services can create a more coordinated response to the challenges faced.
Community safety should not be sacrificed in the pursuit of housing initiatives. A balance must be struck between compassion for vulnerable populations and the rights of residents and businesses to live and operate in safe environments. This may require innovative solutions, such as dispersed supportive housing models that prevent the concentration of issues in specific areas.
Impact on Public Trust and Funding
The escalating crisis raises significant questions about the allocation of public funds and the effectiveness of current policies. Taxpayers have a right to demand that their contributions are used efficiently and effectively. When substantial resources are allocated to initiatives that appear to exacerbate problems, public trust erodes.
This erosion of trust can have far-reaching consequences. Public support is essential for funding social programs and housing initiatives. Without it, securing the necessary resources becomes increasingly challenging, potentially leading to cuts in services that are desperately needed.
Moreover, the perception that authorities are unable or unwilling to address these issues can lead to apathy or, conversely, heightened tensions within the community. It’s imperative that policymakers demonstrate transparency and accountability in their actions, showing tangible results that justify continued investment.
A thorough review of how funds are being utilized is necessary. This includes evaluating the cost-effectiveness of current programs, identifying areas of waste or inefficiency, and reallocating resources to strategies that show promise. By taking a data-driven approach, policymakers can make informed decisions that restore public confidence.
A Call for Action
The persistently high figures at these properties highlight the chronic nature of the safety crisis within and near such housing buildings. While current interventions may have yielded some positive impact, they remain far inadequate to tackle the full scale and severity of the challenges at hand.
It’s time for a concerted effort from all stakeholders—policymakers, community leaders, residents, and service providers—to address these pressing issues. Ignoring the problem is no longer an option. We must re-evaluate our strategies for supportive housing, mental health services, and addiction treatment to ensure they effectively serve both the vulnerable populations they aim to help and the broader community.
This requires open dialogue and collaboration. Community forums, advisory committees, and public consultations can provide valuable insights and foster a sense of shared responsibility. Innovative solutions often emerge when diverse perspectives are considered, and those directly affected are given a voice.
The escalating crisis also demands urgency. Pilot programs and incremental changes may not be sufficient given the scale of the problem. Bold initiatives, backed by solid research and adequate funding, are necessary to reverse the current trends.
The data is clear: without substantial changes, the safety and well-being of both residents in supportive housing and the surrounding communities will continue to be at risk. The time for decisive action is now. Addressing these challenges head-on requires courage and commitment. It means acknowledging past shortcomings and being willing to implement new strategies that may challenge conventional wisdom. It also means investing in the long-term well-being of all residents, recognizing that the health of a community is interconnected.
By fostering solutions that promote safety, health, and harmony, Vancouver can reclaim its reputation as a vibrant, inclusive city. This is not just about solving a problem – it’s about building a future where all citizens can thrive.
Glenn is dedicated to scrutinizing government actions affecting the Downtown Eastside and holding those in power accountable for their commitments. With a focus on transparency and policy analysis, his writing aims to expose gaps between promises and outcomes, pushing for meaningful changes that benefit the community.
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