Image Credit: Bluegreen Architecture

By James Peters

Affordable Housing

Affordable housing complex almost ready to rise in downtown Kamloops

Jun 11, 2020 | 2:17 PM

KAMLOOPS — Nearly two years after it was announced, the John Howard Society’s (JHS) large affordable housing project in downtown Kamloops is beginning to take shape.

The City of Kamloops and B.C. Housing partnered with JHS to unveil plans for the rental complex at Fifth Avenue and St. Paul Street in 2018.

The building permit for the five-story, 60-unit facility was issued last month, and JHS CEO Lindsay Lord says the organizations plan to begin construction later this year.

“We’re looking at a start of this year. Those conversations are actually being finalized likely over the next two to three weeks. So we’ll have a bit more information about the potential for even a date to start,” Lord told CFJC Today.

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The complex will offer one- and two-bedroom units for those with low or moderate incomes. Lord says the need for these units is very significant.

“We’re most certainly looking forward to adding another 60 units to the continuum of housing within the community,” said Lord. “It’s almost a small drop in terms of the need. We’ll likely be able to fill this as soon as we’re in a position to take occupancy and be able to put out… a wait list.”

Image Credit: Bluegreen Architecture

The proposal has been modified so that all ground-floor units will be wheelchair-accessible, says Lord.

“It’s a range of circumstances for individuals who are needing access to affordable housing. It could be families, single parent-led families, seniors, those who have a lower to more moderate income household, maybe two individuals working closer to that minimum wage level.”