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Still need city approval

New supportive housing projects in Vernon announced by province

Jul 21, 2020 | 9:31 AM

The B.C. government has announced plans for two new supportive housing developments in Vernon to help people experiencing homelessness.

BC Housing will work with the Turning Points Collaborative Society (TPCS) on both projects.

The first, at 2600 35 Street, would add 52 new homes with supports to the existing My Place, a 52-unit supportive housing building that TPCS has been operating since July 2019. The property is owned by BC Housing and is already zoned for use, but will need to go through the municipal approval process.

The second development, located at 2307 43 St., would demolish the Howard House shelter, which has long been slated for redevelopment, and build about 50 units of new supportive housing. The site is connected to Our Place, a 46-bed supportive housing building that TPCS has operated since March 2019. BC Housing will purchase the site from TPCS, which requires approval from the City of Vernon to be rezoned. The property is currently vacant.

The society would operate both buildings and provide residents with meal programs, life and employment skills training, and health and wellness support services.

If the projects are approved by the city, BC Housing will update the community with the estimated project costs and proposed construction timelines.

BC Housing will be hosting a virtual neighbourhood information session and will invite neighbours and members of the community to learn more, ask questions and provide feedback. More details will be shared in the coming weeks at: letstalkhousingbc.ca/vernon-supportive-housing

Funding would come from the province’s supportive housing fund.

“When people have housing and supports that meet their needs, it’s good for everyone in the community,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Access to safe and secure housing gives people the stability and dignity they deserve, while wraparound supports help them to move forward, make healthy choices and build a better life.”

The province is working in partnership to build more than 330 new affordable homes for people with a range of incomes in Vernon:

  • Housing for people with middle incomes: 41 homes at 3802A 27 Ave., 39 homes 3802 27 Ave. and 32 homes at 3800 27 Ave.
  • Housing for people with low to moderate incomes, including families, seniors and Indigenous peoples: 29 homes at 3610 25 Ave., 12 homes at 4005 Pleasant Valley Rd., 45 homes at 3400 Coldstream Ave. and 38 homes at 5545 27 Ave.
  • Housing for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness: 52 homes at 3500 27 St. and 46 homes at 2307 43 St.
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