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The Main and Terminal project was funded by the federal government, Vancity and a private donation, with the land donated by the city.

On Wednesday, Vancouver council is expected to decide whether to refer a motion to fast-track the rezoning process for developments where at least 70 per cent are for low-cost housing to a public hearing.

Vancouver had announced new interim housing targets Tuesday to address the city’s housing affordability crisis.

It plans to add 72,000 new housing units over the next 10 years, including 12,000 supportive and social housing units — a 50 per cent increase from previous targets.

The city also wants to open 315 extra year-round shelter beds to help ease the seasonal spikes in street homelessness.

Jean Swanson, of the Carnegie Community Action Project, said studies have shown that housing people costs less than leaving them on the streets, yet the numbers of homeless people continue to swell.

“It’s a crisis,” said Swanson. “We desperately need more housing for people, not shelters.”

She welcomed the proposed modular housing units, but questioned whether 600 was enough. The latest homeless count pegged Vancouver’s homeless population at around 2,100, with 600 living on the street and the rest in shelters, she noted. “The targets should match the need. Asking for 600 is masking the crisis.”

Swanson also pointed out that for all the talk about targets, there’s no commitment of funding on the table right now.

“There’s no talk about where they’re going to get the dough. They’re hoping the province would come through. I’m hoping too — we have to put a lot of pressure on them.”

Mayor Gregor Robertson said the city can’t do the work on its own.

“The city will keep doing everything we can to put forward innovative ideas like modular housing, offering city land for affordable housing, building co-ops and expanding inclusionary zoning but we can’t meet the need without help from the B.C. or federal governments,” he said.

chchan@postmedia.com

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