The Province, through BC Housing, is partnering with the City of Campbell River to build 50 new permanent supportive homes for people experiencing homelessness in the community.

“These homes will give residents the dignity of having a safe and secure place of their own, with wraparound supports and services to help them build a better life,” said Claire Trevena, MLA for North Island. “We worked closely with the city to find a location for a supportive housing project, and we are thrilled that we were able to come together so quickly to create these new homes.”

Located at 580 Dogwood St., the project will provide homes for people who will be living at the former Rose Bowl Restaurant bridge housing starting in August, as well as other locals experiencing homelessness. Once the supportive housing project is complete and the bridge housing residents have moved in, BC Housing will consult with the community about redeveloping the Rose Bowl site into an affordable housing project.

“We have been working closely with BC Housing for a number of years to establish a fully managed facility like this, with services that will be key for people wanting to commit to stable housing and get the assistance that will make such a huge difference in their lives,” said Andy Adams, mayor, Campbell River. “The city’s close partnership with BC Housing has already helped provide a range of much-needed housing options for people in our community. We recognize this benefits our entire community and are extremely grateful to BC Housing and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for their ongoing commitment as we work together to support vulnerable people.” 

The Vancouver Island Mental Health Society will operate both the bridge housing and the supportive housing building when it’s completed. Society staff will be onsite 24/7 and will provide guests with outreach services, such as daily living skills training and meal preparation, as well as referral to health services.

“We are pleased to work with the Province and BC Housing to operate the supportive housing project in Campbell River,” said Taryn O’Flanagan, executive director, Vancouver Island Mental Health Society. “As an organization, we have seen a significant need for long-term supportive housing in this community and we feel fortunate that the Province has recognized and supported this project.”

Approximately half of the people experiencing homelessness in Campbell River identify as Indigenous. In order to ensure the development is culturally appropriate and welcoming, the project design was informed by the Campbell River Urban Indigenous Housing Group.

“This has been a great opportunity for the Urban Indigenous Housing Committee to contribute to and influence the design of the supportive housing project for Campbell River,” said Audrey Wilson, executive director, Laichwiltach Family Society Group and Urban Indigenous Housing Group committee member.

The project does not require rezoning and will be expedited through the development process in collaboration with the City of Campbell River.

Construction is expected to begin in the fall, with residents anticipated to move in during December 2020.

Delivering affordable housing is a shared priority between government and the BC Green Party caucus, and is part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement.

Quick Facts:

• The Province is providing approximately $10.9 million in construction and financing costs for the project through the Supportive Housing Fund, as well as an annual operating subsidy of approximately $1.18 million.
• The City of Campbell River is providing $855,000 in equity contributions and waivers to the project.
• BC Housing is entering into a long-term lease agreement with the City of Campbell River for the project site.
• In addition to this project, the Province is working in partnership to deliver close to 120 new affordable homes for people in Campbell River:
  • 41 homes at the recently purchased Heritage Inn for people who were displaced by the fire at the Pacific West complex;
  • 27 homes for people with low to moderate incomes, including those with brain injuries and their families, at the recently opened Linda’s Place project; and
  • 49 homes for women and children leaving violence.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Rose Bowl Restaurant bridge housing: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020MAH0075-001232

For more information on how BC Housing is supporting British Columbians during the COVID-19 outbreak, visit: https://www.bchousing.org/COVID-19/

A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is online: https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC

To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians, visit: https://workingforyou.gov.bc.ca/

Two backgrounders follow.