Vancouver City Council postponed a crucial vote regarding the establishment of British Columbia’s first Filipino cultural centre, initially scheduled for Wednesday. The decision to refer the motion came after an extensive council meeting lasting over eight hours. Mayor Ken Sim introduced the motion, which drew nearly 200 speakers, who overwhelmingly expressed their support for the initiative.
While the enthusiasm was palpable, concerns emerged regarding the proposed developer, PortLiving, which owns the properties earmarked for the centre on Main Street and is currently facing foreclosure proceedings. Tobi Reyes, CEO of PortLiving, acknowledged his company’s past challenges, stating, “We’ve repaid more than $400 million worth of indebtedness in the last few years.” He expressed commitment to resolving the financial issues surrounding the properties and emphasized ongoing discussions with construction lenders.
The Filipino Seniors Club of BC (FSCBC), initially supportive of the proposal, withdrew its backing just a day before the council meeting. The club criticized the timeline for the project as “unrealistic” and called for a standalone cultural centre rather than a shared space. Bert Morelos, the club’s communications director and an experienced architect, highlighted that development projects typically require 8 to 12 years for full recovery of investment.
Opposition to the motion also surfaced from the Mabuhay House Society (MHS), which is actively engaged with the B.C. government in cultural centre initiatives. The board chair, Lester De Guzman, expressed concerns about the failed negotiations for an alternative property in Cambie back in 2022. “We have concerns now moving forward,” he stated, referring to the public documents related to the foreclosure.
Further complicating matters, Filipino BC, a non-profit community organization, proposed its own vision for a cultural centre in September 2023, also rejecting the city’s motion. In a statement outside city hall, board chair RJ Aquino called for “truth and transparency” regarding PortLiving’s financial standing, questioning the rationale behind involving a developer with potential risks.
In response to the growing concerns, Mayor Sim stated he was unaware of the foreclosure situation and had no personal dealings with PortLiving. He reiterated that the motion aimed to expedite the development of a Filipino cultural centre, assuring that the developer would face a thorough scrutiny process.
The council has instructed city staff to prioritize the review of the project, ensuring community feedback is taken into account. The motion has been rescheduled for discussion at the Standing Committee on City Finance and Services meeting on December 10, 2023.
The discussions surrounding the cultural centre reflect a significant desire within the Filipino community to establish a dedicated space for their cultural heritage in Vancouver. As the city navigates these complex issues, stakeholders remain hopeful for a resolution that honors the community’s aspirations.
