KELOWNA – The Province and the City of Kelowna are working together to provide individuals experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness with access to more supportive housing and shelter spaces.

“Our government is taking immediate action to help people struggling with homelessness get off the streets and into safe shelter and suitable housing where they can access the support services they need,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “These projects are an important start to addressing the growing issue of homelessness in Kelowna while we continue to work with our community partners to develop permanent and sustainable housing options.”

The Province is taking several steps to help those in the community who need it most:

Winter Shelter

As an immediate response to the cold winter months ahead, approximately 80 temporary shelter beds are opening at the former A&B Sound at 425 Leon Ave., which will be operated by the John Howard Society. The shelter will be open from Nov. 30, 2017 to March 2018 and staffed 24/7. Guests will be offered services such as three meals per day, storage for their belongings and access to health and wellness services.

New Modular Supportive Housing

The Province has proposed to create approximately 52 units of new modular housing with supports through a funding commitment of $8.1 million. The city is working with BC Housing to finalize a location. The opening date for the project will depend on when the site is selected.

This is part of the Province’s commitment to invest $291 million to build 2,000 modular units over two years across B.C. by working in partnership with local governments.

Additional Supportive Housing

Pending approval of a development permit by the City of Kelowna, people who are struggling with homelessness will have access to approximately 55 units of supportive housing located on property leased by BC Housing at 1642 Commerce Ave.

This currently available modular housing will be repurposed, which will allow BC Housing to expedite the delivery and installation of the units. The Province has allocated $3.4 million in capital funding for this project.

Twenty supportive housing units will also be available at the former Good Night Inn at 2639 Highway 97 while BC Housing finalizes renovation plans for the building for more longer-term housing. It will be operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association and remain open until the supportive housing at Commerce Avenue is ready for occupation.

“We are very pleased with the Province’s reinvigorated investments in housing solutions for Kelowna,” said Doug Gilchrist, divisional director of Community Planning and Strategic Investments. “These investments will add a variety of housing options to address a spectrum of needs in our community.”

Residents and businesses will be informed of all the projects through ongoing community outreach.

Quick Facts:

• The B.C. government is investing $291 million to build 2,000 modular housing units for people who are homeless and more than $170 million over three years to provide 24/7 staffing and support services for these units.
• The new modular housing will provide a rapid response to addressing homelessness in communities throughout B.C. Each modular building will provide self-contained units with personal kitchens and washrooms.
• The Province will be working with local governments and community partners to develop a Homelessness Action Plan to reduce homelessness through permanent housing and services.

Learn More:

The B.C. government announced the purchase of the Kelowna Good Night Inn on Sept. 1, 2017. More information can be found here: news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2017MAH0003-001513

To find out what the Province is doing to improve housing affordability, please visit: news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/bc-government-addressing-housing-affordability-challenges

To see a map of permanent and temporary shelters in B.C., visit: www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/homelessness-services/emergency-shelter-map

Media Contacts:

Lindsay Byers
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
250-952-0617
 
Rajvir Rao
BC Housing
604-456-8917

Tom Wilson
City of Kelowna
250-469-8829