During the 2021 heat dome in British Columbia, Stephen Nelson experienced the rapid escalation of deadly temperatures firsthand. Nelson resided at the Keefer Rooms in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) where his neighbor and friend, Mario, struggled in the intense heat. Nelson and his girlfriend assisted Mario by ventilating his room and providing him with water to alleviate his discomfort.
Tragically, Mario passed away during the heatwave due to a combination of extreme temperatures and underlying health issues, according to a coroner’s report from the B.C. Coroners Service. The report confirmed Mario’s death was the only fatality recorded at the Keefer Rooms during that period.
The Keefer Rooms is among approximately 100 single-room occupancy buildings in Vancouver, where residents typically inhabit small rooms and share communal bathrooms. The heat crisis claimed the lives of 619 individuals, with a B.C. Coroners Service panel report revealing that 10% of these deaths occurred in social housing, including SROs.
In response to the crisis, residents of SROs and their neighbors united to monitor temperatures and implement safety measures during heatwaves. Wendy Pedersen established the Downtown Eastside SRO Collaborative Society, which organizes teams to oversee SRO buildings, including “H2O teams” dedicated to ensuring heat relief and hydration for residents.
The organization facilitated the opening of cooling rooms in SRO buildings, with plans for further expansions supported by Vancouver city council funding. These cooling rooms provide crucial respite for residents like Roger Haskins, who highlighted the challenges of inadequate cooling infrastructure in SRO units.
Researcher Gabby Doebeli emphasized the persistent heat indoors, making it difficult for residents to rest comfortably. Despite the shortcomings of SRO buildings, Pedersen emphasized their importance as affordable housing options for vulnerable populations at risk of homelessness.
Furthermore, in another SRO building named the Arlington, tenants have fostered a sense of community while enhancing safety measures during extreme heat. Cooling rooms were established with support from various entities, offering residents a space for relief and social interaction.
Pedersen acknowledged the funding gaps faced by the SRO Collaborative, stressing the need for continued support to sustain essential services for residents. Federal and provincial programs have been cited as potential resources for upgrading SRO facilities to enhance climate resilience.
While recognizing the imperfections of SRO buildings, authorities underscored the necessity of preserving these accommodations as vital housing options. With ongoing efforts to address funding challenges and enhance living conditions, the collaborative spirit within Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside remains a beacon of mutual support and resilience.