Balmoral Hotel lot to become temporary healing, wellness space

The Balmoral Hotel on East Hastings Street in Vancouver

The City of Vancouver is transforming the vacant lot where the Balmoral Hotel used to be into a healing and wellness space before the site is developed.

The city is working with the province and BC Housing to ultimately turn the former site into social housing.

It was deemed unsafe and demolished in November 2024.

In an email to CTV News, the city said the vacant site “presents a unique opportunity for interim activation and programming, working toward healing and reconciliation for former residents of the Balmoral Hotel and community.”

The city added the Carnegie Community Centre will partner with non-profits and other organizations to provide culturally safe programming at the lot, until construction at the social housing project begins.

That programming will include community performances and events. healing and wellness initiatives, Indigenous-led ceremonies, and an urban garden.

The city has entered into a contract with Merrick Architecture Ltd. for the design and development of the project.

That contract is valued at around $52,900.