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Flooding woes in Vancouver’s nightlife scene
In the heart of Vancouver’s Granville Entertainment District, nightclub owners are grappling with a crisis that threatens their very existence. Alan Goodall, owner of Aura nightclub, has reported a staggering number of floods—over 200 incidents since the former Howard Johnson hotel was converted into supportive housing.
The situation has escalated to the point where Goodall had to mop up water during peak hours, losing valuable revenue on what should be a bustling Saturday night.
“Those two tables, they’re our best tables on a Saturday night, prime time, and they were unusable,” Goodall lamented.
The nightclub industry operates on razor-thin margins, and every hour lost to flooding can mean significant financial losses. With the province’s policies moving vulnerable populations into the area, the nightlife scene is facing unprecedented challenges.
Impact of government policies on local businesses
Goodall and his counterpart, Dave Kershaw of Cabana nightclub, are not just facing physical damage; they are also dealing with the fallout from government decisions that have inadvertently affected their livelihoods. Kershaw noted that his establishment has experienced multiple water incidents, including a fire that triggered sprinklers and flooded his VIP room.
The ongoing issues have forced him to close sections of his club for repairs, further impacting his bottom line.
Statistics from Vancouver Fire Rescue Services reveal a dramatic increase in emergency calls to these establishments, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Calls to the former Howard Johnson hotel surged by 157%, while the St. Helen’s Hotel saw a staggering 722.5% increase in calls last year. The nightclub owners argue that these incidents are not just typical flooding; they are a direct result of policies that have shifted the dynamics of the area.
Seeking solutions and support
In light of these challenges, both Goodall and Kershaw are calling for immediate rent relief from BC Housing. They argue that the financial strain caused by the ongoing flooding and the shift in local demographics warrants a reevaluation of their rent rates. “We think it would be fair and then moving forward, some sort of reduction in our rent rates to reflect the environment that has been created,” Kershaw stated.
Despite their pleas, BC’s housing minister has been noncommittal, emphasizing that the province is working to address the flooding issues but not directly addressing the nightclub owners’ requests for compensation. Goodall expressed frustration, stating, “With 200 floods, I can’t make 200 claims. There’s no way that anybody would insure me.” The nightclub owners are determined to fight for their businesses, as relocating would be a costly endeavor that could lead to their permanent closure.
As they navigate these turbulent waters, the future of Vancouver’s nightlife hangs in the balance. The resilience of these business owners is commendable, but without support and a change in policy, the vibrant entertainment scene that once thrived on Granville Street may soon become a distant memory.
