VANCOUVER — In an evening marked by emotional pleas and pointed debates, Vancouver city council postponed a decision on a controversial proposal to fast-track a two-tower development that would include a long-sought Filipino cultural centre and a hotel. The motion, introduced by Mayor Ken Sim and Coun. Lenny Zhou, aimed to prioritize the project at two sites in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood, but concerns over the developer's legal and financial troubles led to a delay until the council's December 10 meeting.
The proposal centers on properties at 1940 Main St. and 143 East 3rd Ave., where developer Tobi Reyes and his company, Port Living, envision a mixed-use project featuring hotel space and a cultural facility led by the newly formed Filipino Legacy Society. Incorporated in August, the non-profit society would oversee the centre, which supporters say could finally fulfill a 40-year dream for Vancouver's Filipino community. Every speaker at Wednesday's meeting agreed that the community, still mourning the deadly tragedy at April's Lapu Lapu Day event, deserves such a dedicated space.
Most public comments favored the motion, with many describing it as the best chance yet to realize the cultural centre. "The opportunity to realize a Filipino cultural centre is within reach given the convergence of support from the City of Vancouver and senior levels of government," said Mable Elmore, the B.C. NDP MLA for Vancouver-Kensington and a longtime Filipino community leader. Elmore emphasized broad support within the community and suggested that questions about the project's financial aspects should be directed to Reyes himself.
However, opposition was vocal and multifaceted. Leaders from some local Filipino groups objected strenuously to tying the cultural centre to Reyes' project, citing his company's ongoing legal battles. Port Living faces fraud allegations in a 2023 civil lawsuit filed by investors, who accuse Reyes of misappropriation of funds—allegations that have not yet been tested in court. Additionally, the Main Street site, a current tire shop owned by Reyes since 2017, is in foreclosure proceedings. Court filings this year allege Reyes is in default on $45 million in debt, including $17 million on the first mortgage, $7 million on the second, and $21 million in interest, for a property assessed at $23 million.
Reyes, who immigrated to Canada as a child and is the grandson of a prominent Filipino construction magnate, has pursued a Filipino community centre at various locations over the years. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he declined to discuss specifics of the foreclosure or lawsuit but expressed optimism. "We definitely see a path to resolution," Reyes said regarding the Main Street property. On the investor suit, he added, "We're going to be settling it mutually, soon. We'll deal with it behind closed doors."
Reyes has been active at recent community events to address concerns about the project. "We've been able to answer pretty much all the questions, and resoundingly, it's more about people being very excited about what's happening," he said. "We believe it's a great location, it's got great potential and promise to deliver what we can deliver."
The motion sought to direct city staff to prioritize the development and explore policy changes to allow a taller tower than typically permitted, framing it as a "priority project with citywide benefits." But Green Coun. Pete Fry raised alarms about potential conflicts of interest and transparency, proposing an amendment to delay the vote until the city's integrity commissioner could review the matter. Fry asked Sim directly if he was aware of the foreclosure proceedings.
"It's my understanding that this stuff has been cleared up," Sim replied. He clarified that he has had no personal dealings with Reyes and stressed that any approval would still require full staff review and a public hearing. The council did not vote on Fry's amendment. Instead, ABC Coun. Lisa Dominato suggested referring the motion to the December 10 meeting to allow more time for review.
The debate grew heated at times, with the meeting chair cautioning speakers against impugning politicians' motives. Sim described some implications about the project proponents as "deeply unfair" but supported the delay. "If that's what it takes to keep the dream of a Filipino cultural centre alive, then that's what I will do," he said during the session.
In a statement emailed Thursday, Sim explained the urgency of the original motion stemmed from interest by an internationally affiliated hotel brand, not the court proceedings. "We have been engaging directly with the Filipino Legacy Society, not the developer, on their project, which represents the vision they are advancing for their community," Sim wrote. "Any discussions between the Filipino Legacy Society and the developer are matters between those parties. For more than 40 years, the Filipino community has been calling for a cultural centre, and this motion simply creates a path for that long-standing vision to be considered. It does not make the final decision."
Port Living's history adds layers to the controversy. Founded in 2003, the company developed properties in Vancouver for years before financial issues surfaced publicly in 2020. That year, its high-profile downtown condo project, Terrace House, entered bankruptcy protection mid-construction. More than 100 files in the B.C. Supreme Court civil registry involve Reyes or his company, underscoring the breadth of legal challenges.
Opponents, including some Filipino community leaders, argued that linking the cultural centre to a developer embroiled in such disputes risks the project's viability and integrity. They questioned the timing of the Filipino Legacy Society's formation just three months ago and the suitability of the sites, one of which is mired in debt far exceeding its assessed value.
Supporters, however, highlighted the project's potential to heal and unite the community in the wake of the Lapu Lapu Day tragedy, where multiple fatalities occurred during the annual event celebrating the Filipino hero. The incident, in April, left the community grieving and amplified calls for a permanent cultural hub to preserve heritage and foster events safely.
The delay provides an opportunity for further scrutiny, including potential input from the integrity commissioner and additional public feedback. Council members and stakeholders alike acknowledged the emotional weight of the issue, with the Filipino community's aspirations clashing against practical concerns over development risks.
Looking ahead, the December 10 meeting could reshape the path forward for the cultural centre. If approved, the project would still face rigorous processes, but its fate remains uncertain amid the unresolved legal matters. For Vancouver's Filipino residents, who have advocated for decades, the wait continues, balancing hope against caution.