Coast Mental Health has written to the Vancouver City Council to express support for a motion to reverse the ban on net-new supportive housing investment. Here is the letter submitted by Coast Mental Health’s CEO, Keir Macdonald. 
 
Re: Motion – “Reversing the Costly Ban on Supportive Housing” 

Coast Mental Health is writing to express our support for the motion before Council to end the City of Vancouver’s ban on net new supportive housing investments. 

Previous Engagement with Council & Growing Urgency 

Coast Mental Health welcomed the opportunity last year to engage with Council on the City’s approach to supportive housing. At that time, we acknowledged the importance of regional equity, the renewal of aging housing stock, and thoughtful planning across Metro Vancouver. We also shared our concern that a pause on net new supportive housing risked creating critical gaps for people with the most complex needs. 
Those concerns remain relevant today and, in many respects, have only increased. 

Why Supportive Housing Matters  

Supportive housing is a cornerstone of any effective response to homelessness, mental illness, substance use, and extreme poverty. For the people we serve, housing is not simply shelter — it is the foundation for stability, recovery, health, and dignity. A stable home with embedded supports creates the conditions for healing, connection, and community integration. 

Regional Equity Has Not Yet Materialized  

Coast Mental Health agrees that homelessness is a shared regional responsibility and that municipalities across Metro Vancouver must play a role. However, our experience over the past year has shown that this shift has not yet materialized. In several communities across the region, supportive housing proposals — even where funding was available — have been delayed or declined. While regional equity remains an important goal, the practical impact of pausing net new supportive housing in Vancouver has been fewer supportive housing projects advancing overall. 

Renewal Must Not Replace New Investment 

While we strongly support investment in maintaining and replacing aging housing stock, these objectives must not come at the expense of addressing current and growing needs. Ending the ban on net new supportive housing is a necessary step to ensure that people experiencing the most acute challenges are not left without viable pathways to housing and care. 

Proven Benefits for People and Systems 

As an organization with decades of experience operating supportive housing across the Lower Mainland, we see firsthand the positive impacts these homes have for residents, neighbourhoods, and the broader health and social systems. When supportive housing is well-designed and well-resourced, it reduces pressure on emergency services, hospitals, and the justice system, while supporting people to stabilize and move forward in their lives. 

A Balanced, Evidence Informed Path Forward 

We encourage continued dialogue at Council around a balanced and evidence informed approach. Coast Mental Health supports efforts to advance a fully resourced housing system that includes renewal, regional collaboration, and continued investment in new supportive housing where need exists. 

Working Together 

We welcome the opportunity to continue working with Council, City staff, and partners across the region to ensure Vancouver’s housing strategy reflects both compassion and practicality, while centering the needs of those most at risk. 

Sincerely, 
Keir Macdonald 
Chief Executive Officer, Coast Mental Health