VANCOUVER – Residential
tenancy information and outreach services will be enhanced for tenants and
landlords in Vancouver
through two new office locations, Minister of Housing and Social Development
Rich Coleman announced.
“The Province is
committed to ensuring every British Columbian has access to appropriate,
affordable housing and that they know their rights and responsibilities as
tenants and landlords,” said Coleman.
“As well as being able to access service through our website, toll-free
phone line or at our Burnaby office, tenants and
landlords in Vancouver
can get information and services in their neighbourhood.”
Residential
Tenancy Branch staff will be available in the Downtown Eastside at 390 Main St, where
the City of Vancouver
is providing office space free of charge. The space will be shared with
Pathways Information Centre, which connects DTES residents with community
supports, information and resources, and the Aboriginal Community Career
Employment Services Society, which offers employment and training services to
members of the Lower Mainland's urban Aboriginal community.
A second office
will open downtown at 518 Richards
Street, a single-room occupancy hotel owned by the
province. Office space will be shared with BC Housing. Starting in January,
staff will be available at each location five days a week for half a day.
“Locating our
staff with existing services that help Vancouver
residents will benefit a diverse group of tenants and landlords in the downtown
area, giving them a single point of access to housing and support services,”
said Coleman.
Tenants and
landlords in Vancouver can also get information
about their rights and responsibilities, and access dispute resolution services
in person at the Burnaby
office, online at www.rto.gov.bc.ca or
through the information line at 604-660-1020.
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