Mystery Surrounds Vancouver’s Forsaken Regent Hotel: Why Is This Historic Landmark Still Idle After 7 Years?

Questions are mounting over the prolonged vacancy of Vancouver’s Regent Hotel, a historic building owned by the city and sitting idle since its closure in June 2018. The deteriorating structure, located at 160 East Hastings Street and built in 1913, was notorious for its poor living conditions under the ownership of the Sahota family, accumulating over a thousand health and safety violations.

In late 2020, the city acquired the Regent and the adjacent Balmoral Hotel from the Sahotas, with both properties earmarked for conversion into social housing. However, nearly seven years later, the Regent remains untouched, leaving residents and housing advocates frustrated by the lack of progress.

Stephanie ‘Pink’ Berrigan, a longtime resident of the Downtown Eastside, expressed her disappointment, referencing unfulfilled promises. Advocates like Jean Swanson have highlighted the city’s intent to rehabilitate the hotel for the benefit of those in dire need of housing, including the homeless and shelter occupants. However, Swanson notes that the building has been left to languish, escalating doubts about the city’s commitment.

City officials assert that the situation differs from other neglected properties, such as the recently ordered demolition of the Dunsmuir House, which faced criticism for its years of neglect. Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung explained that the city’s approach aims to replace the outdated single-room occupancy model with decent, self-contained units, indicating plans for a more comprehensive housing solution.

The Regent has been leased to BC Housing, which has initiated site remediation, removing hazardous materials in preparation for updated housing units. Despite these efforts, there is no clear timeline for commencing renovations. Meanwhile, the Balmoral Hotel site is set for redevelopment into social housing, with work possibly starting in 2027, pending partnerships and regulatory approvals. Residents and advocates continue to urge swifter action as the city’s plans slowly unfold.