A Shaughnessy property where the remains of a missing Indigenous woman were found almost two years ago is for sale.
Homeland Realty agent Theresa Chu listed the 15,540-square-foot lot with a 33-year-old mansion at 1536 W. 36th Ave. for $9.28 million. The asking price is more than $1.7 million higher than the BC Assessment value.
“This custom-made luxury mansion features professional landscaping, top quality interiors which include high ceiling, chef’s kitchen, air conditioning, radiant floor heating, home theatre room and sauna, just to name a few,” said the description of the two-storey, 10-bedroom, eight-bathroom residence.
Chu did not respond for comment.
The property was under renovation when the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) was called to investigate on April 22, 2022. VPD later confirmed on May 6, 2022, the day after the annual remembrance for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, that they found the remains of a 24-year-old Cree woman who had been missing for more than 18 months.
Chelsea Poorman was a member of the Kawacatoose First Nation in Saskatchewan and last seen by her sister at a Granville and Drake apartment on Sept. 6, 2020. She was reported missing two days later.
“Our investigation into Chelsea’s disappearance and death remains open and ongoing,” said Sgt. Steve Addison, VPD public information officer. "Though our work continues, there have been no significant findings or developments since her remains were discovered.”
Likewise, BC Coroners Service spokesperson Ryan Panton said the agency’s investigation remains open and had no additional information to provide.
Land titles records show the mansion was registered in September 2014 to businessman Long Zhou and homemaker Jiayu Bu with a declared value of $7.32 million.
City hall had issued various permits from October 2021 to June 2023 for sewer and water connection, electrical and building works. The exterior appears to be substantially the same as the spring of 2022.
A message posted on the “Bring My Sister Chelsea Home” Facebook page said the vacant mansion had a reputation among people in the Downtown Eastside as a destination for homeless and drug users.
The mansion appears to still be unoccupied, with heavy chains locking the front door. The paving stones on the driveway, behind a locked gate, have become mossy, but are riddled with construction material and refuse.
On the sidewalk, where friends and relatives held vigils in May 2022, Poorman’s name was scrawled in pink paint.
