CMHA Kamloops property along McGill (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

SUPPORTIVE HOUSING

McGill project to fill much needed gap in Kamloops’ housing continuum: CMHA Kamloops

Oct 1, 2025 | 4:22 PM

KAMLOOPS — Work at the site of a new housing project along McGill Road is set to begin in just a few weeks, as earthworks will be underway to prepare the site for the modular units to be moved in.

“A few years ago, we spoke about some of the challenges we are seeing in shelters and how we need to see more housing,” said CMHA Kamloops Executive Director Alfred Achoba Wednesday (Oct. 1). “These conversations did not start today. It’s been an ongoing discussion with the city, with partners, with BC Housing around the need for more housing in our community. We welcome this opportunity.”

The new facility falls one step above shelters on the housing continuum, with the units helping alleviate pressure on the current shelter system in Kamloops that is often at or near capacity.

“It’s for individuals who have accessed, who are ready to move into housing,” described Achoba. “That is where we have seen the biggest bottle-neck — it’s housing options for those individuals who are ready to move into housing but just haven’t been able to find housing that meets the supports they need or housing that they can afford at the current markets we are seeing.”

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Kamloops councillor Kelly Hall said unlike previous projects, like the one along River Street that council objected to after being blindsided, BC Housing worked in consultation with the city to make this happen.

“We met with BC Housing on a number of occasions and we have talked about proper protocol so that we are aware of the developments that are coming forward so we can work with city staff to do the right things for the community,” explained Hall.

The City of Kamloops is leasing the land to BC Housing for the project, with a zoning amendment likely coming forward soon.

“It’s supportive housing for those people who are already in housing who are taking that next step in their pathway to success, which will allow other people in lower parts of the housing continuum to move up as well,” said Hall. “It’s good for everybody.”

The goal is to have people moving into the units in early 2026.

CMHA Kamloops will have staff onsite, 24/7 and plan to offer extensive programing for the residents.

“Programming and the support play a big role around the success we would see,” said Achoba. “Within this site we will have our community engagement team, we are going to have counselling, we are going to have an occupational therapist, which is one of the first we would see in our programs. We have recovery support systems, as well, built into it.”