People experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Prince George will soon have more safe and secure housing options as approximately 100 supportive homes and complex-care housing (CCH) units are on the way.
“We know that when people experiencing homelessness have stable housing with supports, they can start to rebuild healthier lives,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “People with complex health issues overlapping with housing insecurity challenges are often caught up in a cycle of homelessness. These new homes, along with access to appropriate supports, will help enable them to move out of that cycle and re-establish stability in their lives.”
Located on 1st Avenue and 140/150 Ontario St., construction is starting on Phase 2 of a three-stage development. Once completed, this phase will deliver 41 supportive homes, 10 CCH units and a health clinic for vulnerable members of the community. The project, which is the result of a partnership between the Province, the City of Prince George and Northern Health, is anticipated to be complete in 2026. These units are part of an innovative project that will combine affordable rental housing with supportive housing and integrated health-care services.
“Everyone needs safe, reliable housing,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Complex-care housing is designed to help people with complex mental-health and addiction challenges and housing instability find a pathway to hope and healing, starting with a safe place to live – for as long as they need.”
Forty new supportive homes are also coming for young people experiencing homelessness in Prince George with the purchase of 1575 Queensway Ave. (formerly Hardwood Place Apartments). The Province, through BC Housing, purchased the property, which will now be known as the Reconnect Youth Village. BC Housing will renovate the building to provide a safe space for vulnerable youth. Renovations are expected to start in fall 2024.
“Through the purchase of the Hardwood development, we are able to provide a newly renovated home for Reconnect Youth Village with additional spaces that will make a vital difference for youth and young adults at risk in Prince George and the surrounding area,” said Grace Lore, Minister of Children and Family Development. “Thanks to the Prince George Native Friendship Centre for their leadership as we take action to provide safe, stable housing where young people are also supported in making healthy choices.”
The Province, through BC Housing, has also bought the vacant property at 3177 McGill Cres. with plans to build an additional 10 CCH units in partnership with Northern Health and Community Living BC. The project is in the preliminary stages. Timelines, including opening and tenanting, will be made available closer to project completion.
These projects are part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has nearly 80,000 homes that have been delivered or are underway, including more than 680 homes in Prince George.
Learn More:
To learn about the Belonging in BC homelessness action plan, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BelongingStrategy.pdf
To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for people in British Columbia, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/
To learn about complex-care housing, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/complexcarehousing
Three backgrounders follow.