Category: Redevelopment

The Road to Redevelopment

Timeline In 2017, community engagement, redevelopment and capital campaign feasibility studies set the stage for an incredibly ambitious project— the redevelopment of our site at 320 E Hastings. Five years later, site work got underway 2022 April– Street Use and Salvage & Abatement permits are received, clearing the way for preliminary work to begin on […]

Summer Newsletter: A Retrospective On Our Building

Honouring the History of Our Old Building We’ve dedicated this summer edition of First Things First to our former building—to honour its history and legacy in the Downtown Eastside. Read just some of the significant events and milestones that took place in our old building. Featured photo by Walter E. Frost 1973 (City of Vancouver […]

Final Steps Through the Old FIRST

The bricks of our building are starting to come down this week. Before officially saying goodbye, we made sure to do a final walk through what’s left of the building that’s meant so much to so many. If you haven’t already, you can also subscribe to our email list to ensure that you’re getting all […]

Summer Newsletter, Building Construction Updates and Advocacy Plans

Sharing exciting updates from FIRST! Check out our latest newsletter with stories on how we spent the months leading up to the demolition of our 320 East Hastings building. Learn more about our Advocacy program and upcoming plans. First United Summer 2022 Newsletter

Construction Update: Demolition Begins!

Fence is up at 320 E. Hastings to prepare for demolition.

We’re excited to announce that the demolition of our building at 320 East Hastings is now officially underway!   This spring, our remaining staff, programs and services were moved to satellite locations in the Downtown Eastside. Last week, shelter residents were relocated to our newly renovated, state-of-the-art shelter on Alexander Street and by Thursday afternoon, […]

Important Upcoming Dates

It’s finally here! After years of planning and weeks of meetings, inspections, and renovations, we’re prepared to begin demolition on our building at 320 East Hastings Street. On May 24th, staff will clear out of the building for the last time as crews enter to begin their remediation work. It’s with a mix of emotions […]

Fall Newsletter, Redevelopment Updates and Food First

Sharing exciting updates on what’s next for FIRST! Check out our latest newsletter on our redevelopment plans and our brand new food truck. Don’t forget to sign up for upcoming Toast Talks! First United Fall Newsletter – Digital

First United to get a huge makeover

Jen St Denis from The Tyee covers our plans to redevelop our building at 320 East Hastings Street in her article “First United Church, a Downtown Eastside Institution, to Get a Huge Makeover”. “Today, First United’s programs range from a meal program, medical care, tax filing services, help accessing and appealing government benefits, legal help […]

Rebuild Considered for Dowtown Eastside Landmark


John Mackie of the Vancouver Sun covered our plans to redevelop our aging building at 320 East Hastings Street. “First United is housed in a ’60s building that is looking the worse for wear. So the church is looking at building a new structure on the site that might include some housing. “We’re three years […]