Public Open Houses for Library Branch – Social Housing Development

Vancouver, June 6, 2012 – Two open houses will provide opportunities for residents of Chinatown, Strathcona and the Downtown Eastside to learn about and comment on development of a new Library branch and YWCA affordable housing, Vancouver Public Library and YWCA Metro Vancouver announced today.

The open houses will be held on Wednesday, June 20 (4pm to 7pm) and Saturday, June 23 (11am to 2pm) at Dunlevy Snack Bar located at 433 Dunlevy Avenue between Hastings and Pender streets. Information will be available on the progress of this exciting development that was announced in March 2011, and members of the public can provide feedback to the development team.

“Vancouver Public Library is very excited that we are getting closer to having a full-service Library branch in this community and that the development will include much-needed affordable housing for single mothers and their dependent children,” said Chief Librarian Sandra Singh. “We hope that many residents of the Downtown Eastside, Chinatown and Strathcona will attend these open houses.”

The development will be located on City-owned property at 720-730 East Hastings Street and will be up to six storeys. The Library branch will be located on the first two floors and YWCA safe, affordable housing for low-income single mothers and their dependent children as well as community family program space will be on the upper floors.

“The YWCA is delighted to work with our City of Vancouver partners to bring to your community a full-service branch of the Vancouver Public Library along with badly-needed affordable housing for single mothers and their children,” said Janet Austin, CEO of YWCA Metro Vancouver. “We look forward to meeting with Downtown Eastside, Chinatown and Strathcona residents to review our plans, respond to questions and hear your ideas.”

In addition to Library and YWCA staff, representatives of Dialog Architecture, which was chosen to design the Library branch and housing components, and CitySpaces Consulting will be available at the open houses to discuss the development and answer questions.

Background The VPL-YWCA project is an exciting joint initiative between the City of Vancouver, VPL and YWCA. The Library branch and housing is expected to open in late 2014. The full-service neighbourhood Library branch will include: books, magazines, newspapers, CDs, DVDs and electronic resources in multiple languages; opening hours and diverse programming to meet community needs; public access to computers and wireless Internet; and meeting rooms and other public spaces to serve the community.   YWCA safe, affordable housing is for low-income single mothers and their dependent children who can live independently (with minimal supports) and are working towards achieving economic independence. This housing community will be named YWCA Cause We Care House in recognition of substantial support from our lead donor Cause We Care Foundation.    

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Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.vpl.ca/news/details/faq_vpl_branch_and_ywca_housing

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