Cohen Block Redevelopment Unanimously Approved by City Council

Vancouver, BC - Great news for Indigenous housing in Vancouver. On Tuesday night, City Council unanimously approved the Cohen Block redevelopment, a major milestone for the Downtown Eastside and for BCIHS.

As part of this landmark project, BCIHS will operate 108 well-below-market rental homes for Indigenous tenants, helping create long-term housing stability in the community.

BCIHS CEO Brenda Knights and COO Alexandra Christian both spoke in chambers at City of Vancouver City Hall, sharing the importance of this project and its impact on Indigenous families and community members. (Click on the below image to watch video)

The redevelopment is a partnership between Bosa Properties and Army & Navy Properties, owners of the former Army & Navy store on West Hastings Street. The project will be known as The Cohen Block, honouring founder Samuel “Grandpa Sam” Cohen.

Located in the heart of the Downtown Eastside, the project will focus on rental housing and community benefit, with no strata condominiums.

BCIHS is grateful to City Council, project partners, and community advocates for supporting this important step forward.

This approval represents more than a development win, it’s a meaningful move toward housing justice and Indigenous self-determination. We look forward to sharing more updates as the project progresses.