A Beloved Restaurant Closes Due to Rent Hike

In a shocking turn of events, a beloved restaurant in East Vancouver is set to close its doors due to a staggering 120% increase in rent. Liberté Café, located on Vaness Avenue near the Burnaby border, became a cherished spot for food lovers, renowned for its authentic Filipino dishes and delectable Ube pastries since it opened in 2020.

The Owner's Struggle

Owner Charles Tsang poured his heart and soul into building Liberté during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Three years of hard work culminated in a loyal customer base from all corners of the region. However, Tsang now finds himself grappling with an unprecedented rent hike that he claims is insurmountable. “A 120% increase, nobody could survive,” he lamented.

Community Impact

The neighborhood surrounding Liberté has historically been a vibrant hub for the Filipino community, a place where many settled due to affordable housing options and accessible religious services. As the area experiences rapid development and gentrification, residents are increasingly worried about being 'renovicted,' or forced to leave due to skyrocketing rents.

Calls for Action

As Sammie Jo Rumbaua from the Joyce Street Action Network put it, 'Everyone is really scared of being renovicted from their neighbourhood.' The loss of Liberté Café underscores a painful trend affecting long-standing cultural spaces, as the community currently lacks a dedicated Filipino cultural center, making establishments like Tsang’s even more vital.

Lack of Protections

In response to this crisis, Tsang is calling on the provincial government to implement protective measures for commercial tenants against excessive rent hikes. While residential renters benefit from oversight through the Residential Tenancy Branch, commercial landlords have far more leeway to impose arbitrary increases. Tsang pointed out, 'Unfortunately for commercial, there’s no such protection—whatever the landlord wants is up to them.'

Future Endeavors

Looking to the future, Tsang hopes to reopen Liberté at another location, but the reality is daunting. He faces the challenge of escalating rents citywide and soaring renovation costs, which have doubled in light of inflation.

An Emotional Farewell

“It's really sad... It’s like I am giving my kids away,” Tsang expressed, reflecting on the emotional toll of closing his establishment. Food enthusiasts eager to savor the unique offerings of Liberté must act fast, as the café will close its doors by February.

A Call for Change

This story serves as a chilling reminder of the challenges small businesses face in urban settings and the need for greater protections to preserve the cultural fabric of our communities. Will we see change, or are we destined to lose more beloved establishments to the relentless tide of rising rents?