Open Collections

Haber, Andrea

Project Focus and Objectives: This research project explores the micro-level impacts of neighbourhood changes on the lives of women living in Oneesan Container Housing, a supportive housing site in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side (DTES) Oppenheimer District (DEOD). Research Contributions: Academic literature often depicts gentrification as a linear and nearly homogenous pattern; this study provides a nuanced picture of gentrification impacts and neighbourhood change impacts at the neighbourhood and street levels. Findings on Neighbourhood Change: Three major neighbourhood changes have been noted in the years since Oneesan welcomed its first residents in 2013. First, the DTES Street Market has opened a new location at 501 Powell Street, on a lot that sits directly behind Oneesan. Second, there has been an increase in social housing in the neighbourhood, with over 380 units built since 2013. Finally, several new cafés and restaurants have opened in the neighbourhood. These businesses are perceived to mainly serve middle to upper class patrons, and are representative of larger gentrification processes in the DEOD neighbourhood. Findings on the Impacts of Neighbourhood Change: Through surveys, interviews and observations, it was found that the impacts and perceptions of neighbourhood changes were mixed. While the DTES Street Market serves as an economic opportunity for DTES residents, most of whom are struggling financially, it also poses concerns for Oneesan residents regarding illegal activities and the people the market will attract. The new social housing in the neighbourhood serves as a positive neighbourhood change, housing many vulnerable individuals on the DTES. Oneesan residents saw the benefit of this housing, but also expressed some minor concerns regarding the addition of new people to the neighbourhood. Correspondingly, some understood the new cafés and restaurants as a negative neighbourhood change, while one resident noted her enjoyment of one of these new businesses. Ultimately, these major neighbourhood changes take place within a wider context of social, economic and political forces. Considering recent changes in city planning policy, it is hypothesized that Oneesan’s neighbourhood will see even more changes in the future.

Graduating Project

eng

2017-02-20

Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/60596

Unreviewed

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/