New affordable housing, transition homes for Kelowna

The B.C. government has opened more affordable housing in Kelowna.

Hadgraft Wilson Place at 1369 Bertram Street is offering 68 new affordable rental homes. The homes were constructed through a partnership between BC Housing, the federal government, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the City of Kelowna and Pathways Abilities Society, which will operate the building.

The six-storey building contains studio, one- and two-bedroom homes for seniors, people with low to moderate incomes and people living with disabilities.

Construction is also underway on 75 rental units in the north end of Kelowna at 651 Cambridge Ave. These new homes make up the second phase of the Pleasantvale housing development and will provide affordable rental homes for individuals with low to moderate incomes, families, seniors and people living with disabilities. The development will be operated by the Society of HOPE. Construction is expected to be complete in spring 2024.

“These affordable housing initiatives are improving a housing supply that meets the social and economic needs of Kelowna,” Mayor Tom Dyas said. “They are part of our efforts to increase the supply of affordable housing options for people with low to moderate incomes.”

(Image credit: Province of B.C.)

The province and CMHC are also funding new housing for women and children who are leaving violence or experiencing homelessness, with the redevelopment of the Alexandra Gardener Safe House (AG Centre). Operated by NOW Canada, a new five-storey building will replace the existing 20 shelter beds and provide an additional 24 studio units of transitional housing for women and children in need of a safe, secure place to stay.

Construction of the new building is expected to start this summer. To prevent disruption of services during construction, BC Housing will provide an interim shelter for women currently accessing shelter services at AG Centre. NOW Canada will manage the shelter.

BC Housing is also working with the City of Kelowna to explore redevelopment opportunities for 1451 and 1469 Bertram St. More information about potential uses of the site will be shared with the community this fall.

“These three new developments in Kelowna are part of our government’s commitment to boost affordable housing supply so that people, whether they are families, seniors or women and children looking for a safe space, have options to turn to,” Ravi Kahlon, B.C.’s Minister of Housing, said. “Thanks to partnerships with municipalities like the City of Kelowna and community leaders, we’re making significant progress as we work to build homes faster here and in every part of the province.”