VANCOUVER, B.C. — Vancouver City Council has approved a two-year Tiny Shelter Pilot Project to create a new emergency shelter model for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, including funding to build 10 tiny shelter structures at 875 Terminal Avenue at the Klahowya Tillicum Lalum site.

The report back and recommendations were brought forward at the Standing Committee on City Finance and Services on February 9, 2022, with Council voting to proceed following debate and a failed referral attempt to send the report back to staff.

“People sleeping outside need safe, dignified options now,” said Councillor Pete Fry. “This pilot is about moving beyond tents in parks and creating a practical, humane emergency shelter model, while also learning what works through a robust evaluation so we can scale up what delivers real health and housing outcomes.”

Council approved:

• A two-year Tiny Shelter Pilot Project to provide a new emergency shelter model for unsheltered residents.
• Up to $1.5 million (sourced from the Empty Homes Tax) to support construction, operations, and evaluation of the pilot, with the program intended to be operational in fall 2022.
• Up to $460,000 in capital funding (added to the Capital Plan and related capital budgets) for the purchase and construction of 10 tiny shelter structures to be installed at 875 Terminal Avenue.
• Direction to continue working with senior governments to secure operating funding — and to expedite the pilot even without senior government operating funding.
• A grant of up to $1,020,000 to Lu’ma Native Housing Society to fund two years of operations (up to $510,000 per year), with authority for City staff to finalize agreements to disburse the grant.
• A commitment to robust evaluation of the pilot, plus $20,000 to secure a consultant to evaluate outcomes and inform whether the approach should be expanded.

A motion to refer the report back to staff, requesting funding from BC Housing and the federal government before returning to Council, was defeated. Following the referral vote, Council carried the pilot recommendations, with the required majority.

City staff will move forward with implementation planning and agreements, including construction of the 10 shelters and finalizing operational arrangements with Lu’ma Native Housing Society, alongside evaluation planning so Council and the public can understand outcomes and next steps.