New ‘tiny homes’ and measures to prevent encampments announced for Kelowna

The B.C. government has announced an agreement with the City of Kelowna to help unhoused people get inside, and to prevent homeless encampments from forming.

Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon and Mayor Tom Dyas announced a memorandum of understanding Thursday which clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the province and city to create new temporary housing options.

The measures include rapid development of new shelter and housing options, as well as a more co-ordinated approach to outreach and support services. Through the MOU, the city would bring forward available land and expedite land-use decisions for new shelter and supportive-housing projects.

Kahlon said, as part of a temporary housing plan, the province will provide funding for 120 new temporary “tiny homes” to be added over the next few months.

Kelowna will be the first location in the Interior to use a tiny-home solution, which features small single-room units that are quick and easy to install.

Once built, the new homes will be operated by experienced non-profits who will provide support services such as daily meals, 24/7 staffing, access to skills training and support navigating the housing system. Individuals moving into the homes will be assessed and matched with appropriate supports.

Mayor Dyas said the location of the temporary units are “something they are working through with BC Housing.”

“They will be announced. It is something we’ve been working on, but we just want to confirm them so we don’t say it’s at this specific spot and we need to change it. They will be announced in the next couple of weeks exactly where those locations are,” the mayor said.

Dyas said the new units will be at three locations.

“Initially the first 120 [units] will be on two, but we are speaking of three locations,” Dyas explained.

The minister said the MOU also commits to prevent and respond to encampments in Kelowna.

“Including rapidly responding to encampments before they start to form, and providing people with increased access to support.”

Kahlon said encampments are not safe for the community and not safe for the individuals living in them.

Click here to read the memorandum of understanding.