KAMLOOPS – The City of Kamloops announced a major milestone in its efforts to create more attainable and diverse housing options for our community. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon and Deputy Mayor Katie Neustaeter announced several new developments that will add over 500 new homes and shelter spaces to meet the needs of individuals and families in our community.
The projects announced will add diverse affordable and attainable housing options to fill gaps across our housing continuum. They include the following:
- Approximately 200 attainable rental homes for middle-income individuals and families will be built in the provincially owned Columbia Precinct lands through the BC Builds program. This is made possible through a partnership between the City and the Province.
- Approximately 80 affordable rental homes for individuals, families, seniors, and people living with disabilities with low to moderate incomes will be built across two sites located at 604 Lorne Street and 210 Oak Road. These will be funded through the Community Housing Fund.
- Two modular buildings, providing a total of 98 homes with supports for people experiencing homelessness, will be located on City lands on Mission Flats Road. These units will replace the existing modular supportive housing at 805 Mission Flats Road, which is nearing the end of its life and requires replacement.
- A 22-unit, second-stage women’s transition house will be established for women and children leaving violence to build a new future.
- A 40-unit shelter space located at 1055 Glenfair Drive is being developed.
In addition to the more than 500 homes and shelter spaces that will be created by these projects, the City is working with the Province to identify opportunity sites for rapid response temporary housing for people who are currently unhoused or living in shelters. This will be made possible through the Homeless Encampment Action Response Team (HEART) and Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) program. While work to confirm appropriate Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing sites is ongoing, approximately 100 units are planned for Kamloops and will be announced in the coming months.
“This transformational announcement for our community has been made possible through persistent advocacy and partnership,” said Deputy Mayor Katie Neustaeter. “Unified in purpose, we are forging pathways of progress, demonstrating that with a dedicated vision, we can achieve affordability, housing diversity, necessary supports, and a safe place to call ‘home’ for all in Kamloops.”
KAMPLAN: City of Kamloops Official Community Plan identifies three key goals for housing: ensuring an adequate and affordable supply of housing, increasing housing diversity, and providing options for vulnerable populations. In the 2023–2026 Kamloops City Council Strategic Plan, Council has prioritized housing, focusing on improving diversity and access throughout the housing continuum.
“We understand that housing is about more than just putting a roof over a head. It’s about creating a sense of belonging, dignity, and well-being,” added Neustaeter. “By working together with willing partners, we’re creating a safer, more inclusive, and vibrant city that meets the needs of all residents.”
This milestone marks a significant step towards a community vision where everyone has access to secure, affordable, and appropriate housing. The City will continue its efforts to address the complex issue of housing affordability and availability, ensuring that Kamloops remains a place where people can thrive.
Learn more at Kamloops.ca/Housing.
Source: City of Kamloops