The provincial government has announced the impending closure of a controversial social housing facility on Vancouver's Granville Street, marking a significant development in the ongoing transformation of the entertainment district.
Building Closure Timeline and Tenant Transition
Notices were posted on Thursday throughout the Luugat, formerly known as the Howard Johnson Hotel, informing residents that the building at 1176 Granville Street must vacate by the end of June 2026. The building was purchased by the province in June 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and converted into social housing.
According to the notices, B.C. Housing will work with Community Builders Group, the non-profit managing the Luugat, to ensure all residents are moved to appropriate homes. The province has committed that "all residents will be offered comparable housing before the building closes."
The notice acknowledged the difficulty of relocation, stating: "We recognize that the Luugat is home to many people, and that moving may be difficult and stressful." B.C. Housing representatives will meet with every resident over the coming months to assess individual housing needs.
Context of Complaints and Emergency Response
The decision comes after years of complaints from Granville Strip business owners about street disorder, crime, and frequent emergency calls that have altered the character of one of Vancouver's primary nightlife and tourism destinations.
The Luugat is one of three provincially-owned social housing buildings on the Granville Strip that collectively contain approximately 300 rooms. These facilities have been responsible for thousands of calls to police and fire services in Vancouver, creating ongoing tensions between business operators and housing advocates.
B.C.'s Housing Minister indicated the closure is part of an agreement requested by Vancouver officials regarding larger redevelopment plans for the Granville Entertainment District. The minister specifically noted the decision is not directly related to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite timing coincidences.
Future Plans for the Site and Other Buildings
The notices posted to residents indicated that the province and City of Vancouver are collaborating to replace the building with "purpose-built supportive housing." However, the documentation didn't specify whether current Luugat residents would transition to these new facilities or reveal potential locations.
When questioned about the future of the Luugat property, a B.C. Housing Ministry spokesperson stated: "B.C. Housing is developing a plan for the future use of the Luugat site. This planning is in early stages, and more information will be shared as it becomes available."
Regarding the two other social housing buildings in the area—the St. Helen's Hotel and Granville Villa—the ministry confirmed that no closure notices or timelines have been issued to those residents, with no immediate plans to do so.
This closure represents a pivotal moment in Vancouver's ongoing efforts to balance social housing needs with business community concerns and the broader revitalization of the Granville Entertainment District.
