Coast Mental Health is describing its plans to redevelop its headquarters in Mount Pleasant as a “once in a generation moment to redefine how housing, mental health care and community can enable recovery and prioritize dignity, prevention and long-term stability.”

That description is contained in the non-profit organization’s rezoning application to replace its two-level building and redevelop its properties at 259-293 East 11th Ave. and 216 Kingsway with a 29-storey tower.

The design will include 11-storey and seven-storey podiums.

The application, which was recently posted to the City of Vancouver’s Shape Your City website, says 364 social housing units and 17 assisted living units will be the main component of the mixed-use building.

Two levels of commercial, office and social service space is planned.

Coast Mental Health is also exploring a partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health to establish a community health centre in the building that would be open to the broader public.

Total project cost is estimated at $350 million.

“I can’t think of another project that at this scale brings together social housing, health care and the service and supports people need to thrive all in that one place,” said Keir Macdonald, the CEO of Coast Mental Health. “So we’re definitely excited about this one.”

BC Housing

Macdonald said BC Housing has committed to pay the residential portion of the building via the province’s community housing fund. Coast Mental Health, which owns the current building and adjacent properties, will fund the non-residential component such as office space.

A mental health “clubhouse” currently operates at the building, where Macdonald said up to 100 people per day are served via the variety of programs, including meals and connecting clients to employment.

Another building on the property is home to 12 low-income tenants, who will be relocated during construction—if the project gets approved—and have an opportunity to move in the new building, Macdonald said.

He said the proposed 364 homes are not considered supportive housing, but emphasized the importance of dignified, safe and accessible housing to prevent a person’s mental health from deteriorating.

“Whilst we do hope to serve people living with mental illness, that is a portion of the population that we will serve here with the 364 homes,” Macdonald said.

“It could include low-income seniors, single-parent families because it is multifamily housing, as well—from studios all the way to four bedrooms. But also for nurses, teachers and those working in the trades.”

Broadway Plan

Coast Mental Health had originally planned to redevelop the site with a project of 12 to 16 storeys. But after the previous city council approved the Broadway plan in 2022, the non-profit looked to increase the size of the redevelopment.

Macdonald pointed out the most recent data released by city staff shows a need for more social housing along the Broadway corridor. Business in Vancouver reported June 12 that 134 residential projects are in the development pipeline, totalling 25,141 units.

Only 831 are social housing.

Macdonald said he doesn’t anticipate the proposal to go before council for a vote until 2027. His understanding is that the project wouldn’t require a public hearing because it conforms with the Broadway plan.

“We’re hoping that this gets through council, that we get final BC Housing approval and we would break ground late next year,” he said.

Coast Mental Health operates more than 50 housing facilities in the region for people living with mental illness, runs a resource centre on Seymour Street and has several social enterprises that provide employment opportunities to clients.

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