Site work underway at 1453 McGilll Road in Kamloops. (Image Credit: CMHA Kamloops)

By Victor Kaisar

Supportive Housing

Work to build new 55-unit supportive housing project underway in Kamloops

Jan 12, 2026 | 2:42 PM

KAMLOOPS — Work to build a new supportive housing project adjacent to Truck Chilling Park on McGill Road in Kamloops is officially underway.

BC Housing and the Kamloops branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) are partnering on the 55-unit temporary housing project, which will be for people experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness.

They’re being supported by the City of Kamloops, which provided the land at 1453 McGill Road. The province will fund all capital and operating costs through the Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) program.

“The temporary housing will use modular construction [and] this allows us to open the much-needed spaces as quickly as possible,” said BC Housing in a statement. “We currently expect the temporary housing with supports to open in early summer 2026.”

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Aerial view of the property 1453 McGilll Road, adjacent to Truck Chilling Park in Kamloops. (Image Credit: CMHA Kamloops)

BC Housing said the housing project will also include indoor and outdoor gathering spaces as well as a central kitchen, a common dining area, plus shared washrooms, showers and laundry facilities.

“Temporary housing provides a step between a shelter and a permanent home,” BC Housing added, noting these services and supports will be for residents only. “We will design the housing site to minimize impact on neighbours.”

“We will install temporary fencing and clearly mark any work areas for safety. We will follow all local bylaws [and] we will share notices regarding any expected traffic or noise disruptions.”

That fencing went up late last week and an excavator was seen clearing the site Monday (Jan. 12). Neighbours were told on Thursday (Jan. 8) that the start of construction was imminent.

The Crown corporation also promised a number of security features on site like a fully fenced perimeter with gated access, security cameras and exterior lighting. CMHA staff will be on site around the clock to provide residents with meals, life-skills and employment training, as well as connections to community and social services.

“BC Housing and CMHA Kamloops will assess all potential residents and offer the temporary housing to people based on their individual needs and supports available,” the BC Housing statement added.

“This process helps ensure residents are set up for success and more likely to remain housed.”