Here’s where Kelowna will build 60 homes for the unhoused

A new tiny modular village will soon go up in Kelowna’s North End to help people experiencing homelessness.

The temporary housing will be located on a chunk of city-owned property at the corner of Crowley Avenue and Weddel Place, next to where many tents are set along the trail.

The development will provide 60 single-room units of supportive housing. Similar projects have yielded success in Duncan, B.C., and Everett, Washington.

“This will be an extremely positive initiative,” Mayor Tom Dyas told Kelowna10 ahead of the announcement.

“It comes at a reasonable cost with regards to the number of units that we’re supplying, and it gives the individuals … a good sense of purpose to look at alternative direction within their own lives.”

He said officials in other cities with similar modular villages reported positive outcomes.

“It helped put them on the right track, it gave them warm shelter, it allowed for a space to call their own.”

Dyas hoped to have the homes operational in early-December.

The development is intended as a temporary housing solution, providing time for BC Housing and the city to find new, permanent supportive housing.

This site will be part of a pilot to see if tiny homes will work as a wider response to homelessness in B.C.

The village will operated by a non-profit, which will provide support services such as daily meals, 24/7 staffing, access to skills training and support navigating the housing system.

A second site for another 60 tiny homes is also anticipated to be announced soon.