Vancouver City Council postponed a crucial vote on the establishment of British Columbia’s first Filipino cultural centre, originally scheduled for Wednesday. The motion, introduced by Mayor Ken Sim, was referred for further consideration after an extensive council meeting that lasted over eight hours, during which nearly 200 individuals voiced their opinions.
Support for the cultural centre was widespread among attendees, yet concerns were raised about the proposed developer, PortLiving, which owns the properties where the centre is planned. The development firm is currently embroiled in foreclosure proceedings related to these sites on Main Street. During the meeting, PortLiving CEO Tobi Reyes addressed these issues, stating, “We’ve repaid more than $400 million worth of indebtedness in the last few years” and assured attendees that they are working with construction lenders to realize the project.
The Filipino Seniors Club of BC (FSCBC), which initially supported the motion, withdrew its backing just days before the vote, citing concerns over the timeline and the desire for a standalone centre. Bert Morelos, communications director for FSCBC, expressed skepticism about the project’s feasibility, noting that developers typically require “8-12 years” to recoup investments.
The Mabuhay House Society (MHS), a non-profit organization collaborating with the B.C. government on plans for a Filipino cultural centre, has also rejected the motion. MHS board chair Lester De Guzman indicated that discussions with Reyes about an alternative property fell through last year, raising concerns about the current foreclosure situation.
Additionally, Filipino BC, another non-profit group, has proposed its own vision for a cultural centre. Board chair RJ Aquino emphasized the need for “truth and transparency” regarding PortLiving’s financial status. He questioned why the community should take risks associated with such a significant project.
In response to the concerns, Mayor Sim stated he was unaware of the foreclosure issues and had not personally engaged with the developer. He maintained that the motion aimed to expedite the creation of the cultural centre while ensuring rigorous vetting processes.
City Council members decided to prioritize staff reviews of the project, taking community feedback into account. They have rescheduled the vote for the Standing Committee on City Finance and Services meeting on December 10, 2023.
The Filipino community in British Columbia has long expressed a desire for a dedicated cultural space to share heritage and promote cultural activities. With the vote delayed, the discussion around the Filipino cultural centre continues to evolve amid a backdrop of community engagement and differing opinions on the project’s feasibility and oversight.
