Open House scheduled Monday as BC Housing, CMHA propose temporary housing building on McGill Road

“When people hear about housing, the general sentiment we see in many communities is panic,” Achoba said. “Housing should never be scary. Housing should never be a source of concerns for communities. Our role as service providers is to give the opportunity to listen to both sides and to see how we can work in a collaborative way.

“The needs are great [in our community, but] we can’t hide behind some of the concerns without having those solutions.”

Achoba said CMHA Kamloops has already gotten some feedback about the project, which was announced by the provincial government on Monday, Sept. 29. He said while it was “very, very positive,” there were also concerns raised by some businesses in the area.

“There were concerns around whether this was going to be a shelter… being able to answer those questions and speak to some of the supports that will be here was important,” Achoba added.

“It’s helping businesses to understand the safety measures and the support systems we have in place. It’s also a chance for us to speak to the need of why we this, and why it’s important for our community.”

According to the province, CMHA staff will be on site around the clock to provide residents with meals, life-skills training and connections to services. It noted other security features will also include a fully fenced perimeter, gated access, security cameras and lights.

“I’m excited for this,” Achoba added. “I’m so grateful to be able to see this funding through the HEARTH program come into our community. It is much needed, and it would bring so much relief for the shelter systems and the outreach systems that we have in place.

“This would free up those beds that need to be filled in the shelter by making those movements [to housing].”

There will not be a formal presentation or public Q&A period during Monday’s open house. There will be poster boards with information set up as well as representatives from the project team on hand to answer questions one-to-one.

While people can register online for the sessions for “planning purposes” as there will be light snacks and refreshments on offer, it is not mandatory. They can stop by any time during the two-hour window and stay for as long as they want.

Kelly Hall, the city’s deputy mayor for September, previously told CFJC Today that the project will “provide much-needed stability and dignity” for people who need housing and supports.

Hall also said the city is committed to working collaboratively with community partners to ensure that all Kamloops residents have access to safe and supportive housing.

“There is that open house for people to voice their concerns or talk about the different opportunities that are going to come with this housing complex,” Hall added. “I think BC Housing has heard us at council that for any sort of housing that comes into the city, we want to make sure we have a good communications strategy so that people understand fully what to expect from the development.”

He also said this development “will be a welcome addition to the City of Kamloops, if BC Housing and CMHA Kamloops can ‘successfully communicate the strategy’ to residents and business owners.”

“I think having that conversation but also giving the community an opportunity to be a little more educated is important,” Hall said. “That education takes away the fear.”

While an exact date has not been released, construction on the housing project is scheduled to begin later this year. The units are expected to be open sometime next year.

– With files from Michael Reeve/CFJC Today

by Victor Kaisar

Open House scheduled Monday as BC Housing, CMHA propose temporary housing building on McGill Road

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