Legacy mural begins at former Balmoral Hotel site in Vancouver

Work has begun on a large community mural at the former Balmoral Hotel site in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, honouring the late Trey Helten and Angel Gates.

Lead artists Kyle Shipman and Jesse Gouchey started the project last week on the wall at 159 East Hastings St. The design shows Helten painting Gates, reflecting Helten’s earlier plan to turn the site into a community mural. Helten, a former Overdose Prevention Society manager and Downtown Eastside advocate, died in April 2025.

Gates was a prominent community member and longtime Balmoral resident. The hotel was closed by the City of Vancouver in 2017 over fire and safety concerns. The city acquired the property in 2020, but later issued a demolition order after determining the building was unsafe; demolition was completed in 2024.

Street artist Jamie Hardy, known as Smokey D, will paint the mural’s lower section. About a dozen artists are expected to contribute, with completion anticipated in about a month. The city is providing the site and paint, while OPS is raising donations for unexpected costs.

The Carnegie Community Centre has managed the site as a temporary community space since 2025 with the city and BC Housing. Redevelopment into social housing has been delayed by provincial budget cuts, though the city says the project remains a priority and the province is seeking alternate funding.