Supportive Housing Proposal in Burnaby Withdrawn Following Funding Changes

Source: The Tyee

A proposed supportive housing project in Burnaby’s Royal Oak neighbourhood will no longer move forward. The provincial government confirmed this week that the development planned for 5389 Imperial St. has been cancelled as part of broader adjustments to housing investment announced in the 2026 B.C. budget.

Budget Changes and Project Review

The project had been under consideration for several months and had attracted significant public attention. At the same time, the provincial government has been reviewing the pace of its housing investments.

In a statement to The Tyee, the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs said that some projects are being reassessed as the province reallocates funding.

According to the ministry, certain developments that have not advanced sufficiently or are facing substantial challenges are being reconsidered.

The proposed development at 5389 Imperial St. was identified as one of the projects that will not proceed.

Original Proposal

The project was first announced in late November. It involved a partnership between BC Housing, the City of Burnaby, and Fraser Health.

Plans called for a low-rise building with 40 supportive housing units and 10 complex care units.

The City of Burnaby had contributed the site for the project. The parcel of land is located in an area of the Royal Oak neighbourhood that is primarily commercial and industrial, although residential buildings are nearby.

Community Response

Following the announcement, the proposal quickly became a topic of discussion among local residents.

A Change.org petition opposing the project gathered more than 14,000 signatures, and several demonstrations were held at Burnaby City Hall and outside the offices of local Members of the Legislative Assembly.

The issue was also discussed at Burnaby City Council. On January 13, the council received a report referencing a petition with 11,749 signatures.

During the same meeting, council members introduced motions related to the proposal and the consultation process. Mayor Mike Hurley brought forward a motion requesting that BC Housing provide a comprehensive public engagement plan before council considered rezoning and leasing the land. The motion passed unanimously.

Because the project has now been cancelled, the public engagement plan will not move forward.

Discussion Around Supportive Housing

Supportive housing developments often generate debate in communities, particularly around questions of safety, neighbourhood impact, and the role these projects play in addressing homelessness.

In an earlier interview with The Tyee, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs Christine Boyle acknowledged that proposals for supportive housing can raise concerns among residents.

She also emphasized the importance of providing clear information about how supportive housing works and the services that are typically included.

What Supportive Housing Provides

According to information previously shared by BC Housing, supportive housing developments are designed to provide stable housing along with services that may include:

• life skills training
• counselling
• employment assistance
• mental and physical health support
• meal programs
• laundry services

The goal of these programs is to help residents maintain stable housing and access support services.

BC Housing has also stated that supportive housing buildings may include spaces where staff provide health-related services, including harm-reduction and overdose prevention supports for residents living in the building.

Broader Context

The cancellation of the Imperial Street project comes at a time when housing policy, homelessness, and community planning remain major topics across Metro Vancouver.

At the municipal level, discussions around housing initiatives may also intersect with local political considerations, particularly as 2026 is a municipal election year in many communities.

Key Takeaways

• The supportive housing project proposed for 5389 Imperial St. in Burnaby will not proceed.
• The decision is tied to adjustments in provincial housing funding announced in the 2026 B.C. budget.
• The project had proposed 40 supportive housing units and 10 complex care units.
• Community response included petitions and public demonstrations.
• The issue highlights ongoing discussions around supportive housing, public consultation, and neighbourhood concerns across Metro Vancouver.

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