BC Gov News
People experiencing or at risk of homelessness will soon have more housing options with the Province and the City of Kamloops partnering on a new temporary housing development.
“Throughout B.C., we’re bringing people indoors so they have a safe place to stay with access to services that can help them stabilize their lives,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “Sheltering outside or in encampments isn’t safe for anyone, and we’re working with the City of Kamloops to meet the urgent need for more housing supports that will help build a stronger community for everyone.”
The modular housing project at 1453 McGill Rd. will include more than 50 units, six of which will be available to accommodate couples. There will be a shared dining area and outdoor gathering space, as well as kitchen, shower, washroom and laundry facilities.
“This is a vital housing project that will provide much-needed stability and dignity for people in our community who need housing and supports at this point in their lives,” said Kelly Hall, deputy mayor of Kamloops. “We are committed to working collaboratively with community partners to ensure everyone in Kamloops has access to safe and supportive housing.”
The new temporary homes will be operated by Canadian Mental Health Association Kamloops (CMHA Kamloops) with staff on site at all times. Residents will receive meals, life-skills training and other supports, including connections to community services. People moving into these homes will be assessed and matched with appropriate supports.
“Housing is the foundation for wellness, and this new site at McGill Road represents a critical step toward building a healthier, more compassionate Kamloops,” said Alfred Achoba, executive director, CMHA Kamloops. “Together with BC Housing, the city and our community partners, we are creating not just housing, including dedicated couples units, but a pathway to belonging, recovery and hope for people who have too often been left behind.”
Work on the site is scheduled to begin later in 2025 with an opening date in 2026.
“Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc welcomes this project as a meaningful step toward safe, supportive and dignified housing within Secwépemcúl’ecw,” said Kúkwpi7 Rosanne Casimir. “Through collaboration with the City of Kamloops and community partners, we support the shared commitment to culturally safe housing that uplifts the most vulnerable who are unhoused or at risk of homelessness.”
BC Housing and the city will provide opportunities for neighbours in the immediate area to learn more about the development, including an information session on Monday, Oct. 6.
This work is part of the Province’s Belonging in B.C. plan to help prevent homelessness and bring more people indoors quickly. Since 2017, the Province has more than 93,600 homes delivered or underway, including more than 2,200 homes in Kamloops.
Quick Facts:
- The Province, through BC Housing, is providing capital costs and operating funding for the project from the Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) program.
- The City of Kamloops is contributing the land.
Learn More:
To read the Belonging in B.C. plan, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BelongingStrategy.pdf
For information about the HEART (Homeless Encampment Action Response Team) and HEARTH programs, visit: https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/homelessness-services/HEART-HEARTH
To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/
A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available online: https://www.bchousing.org/projects-partners/Building-BC/homes-for-BC