New supportive housing options are on the way to those experiencing homelessness in Kelowna sa国际传媒� without the need for the usual municipal rezoning from city council.
On May 20, the province announced it is building 38 modular housing units at 1055 and 1063 Ellis Street sa国际传媒� nearby the current city-sanctioned camp on Recreation Avenue.
sa国际传媒淭he need for safe and secure housing has never been clearer, and these new homes will give more people a place to call their own,sa国际传媒� said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. sa国际传媒淲e are working quickly and urgently with our partners to protect all British Columbians during the COVID-19 crisis, including our provincesa国际传媒檚 most vulnerable sa国际传媒� because when people have housing, itsa国际传媒檚 good for everyone in the community.sa国际传媒�
The city and the province are working to expedite the building process and removing the requirement of municipal rezoning. The property, previously listed for sale at , is now set to be leased to the province by the City of Kelowna for 10 years. the property will go through the municipal rezoning process if the lease is extended beyond that.
sa国际传媒淗omelessness is an evolving, dynamic crisis in our community, and these kinds of partnerships go a long way towards creating solutions,sa国际传媒� said Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran. sa国际传媒淭his is a strategic land investment that will not only create much-needed solutions in the short term but also has long-term potential with a future land use designation for multi-storey residential housing. In addition to being close to downtown, this property is ideally located adjacent to existing municipal park space and could fulfil many different civic objectives after expiry of the lease.sa国际传媒�
The three-storey modular apartment building will include 38 self-contained studio units with private washrooms, showers and kitchens. The building will also include a commercial kitchen, dining and lounge areas, storage and amenity space, laundry and a medical room.
sa国际传媒淭o provide people with the support and services they need to begin their recovery journey, they first need a place to call home,sa国际传媒� said Stephanie Ball, executive director of the Central Okanagan Journey Home Society. sa国际传媒淭his is a welcome addition to the over 100 units of housing with supports already planned to come on stream over the next two years as we work to meet the goals of Kelownasa国际传媒檚 five-year plan to address homelessness.sa国际传媒�
The Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna will operate the new housing. It will provide residents with on-site staff and support services at all hours. This includes meal programs, life and employment skills training, health and wellness support services and opportunities for volunteer work.
sa国际传媒淎ccess to safe and stable housing is a crucial first step needed for anyone who experiences homelessness so they can begin to get their feet back under them,sa国际传媒� said Shelagh Turner, executive director, CMHA Kelowna. sa国际传媒淲e are proud to be the operators of this building and our other supportive housing in Kelowna so we can be there to help end the cycle of homelessness.sa国际传媒�
The province is providing $9.5 million to the project, as well as an annual operating subsidy of $1.3 million.
Site preparation work will start in June, with construction expected to be complete in fall 2020.
READ MORE: Third person charged in attack on homeless man in downtown Kelowna
READ MORE: Government response to people experiencing homelessness in Kelowna
To report a typo, email:
newstips@kelownacapnews.com.
michael.rodriguez@kelownacapnews.com
Like us on and follow us on .
