People experiencing homelessness in Courtenay may have access to additional support as the Province, through BC Housing, has purchased land for a proposed supportive housing and permanent overnight shelter.

“The cycle of homelessness is not linear,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “By providing people options through supportive housing and shelter spaces, we are ensuring that people have a safe space to go and access to the resources they need. The purchase of this land is part of our Belonging in BC plan to provide people experiencing homelessness with a stable home, quickly.”

The Province, through BC Housing, has finalized the purchase of 925 Braidwood Rd. in Courtenay with the objective of building supportive housing on the land. The supportive-housing buildings will contain approximately 60 units, as well as a separate, permanent, purpose-built shelter with room for approximately 40 beds. The buildings are also proposed to have additional space to be used as an extreme weather response (EWR) shelter during cold weather.

“The City of Courtenay is thankful to the Province and BC Housing for their continued efforts to provide much-needed permanent shelter and supportive housing,” said Bob Wells, mayor of Courtenay. “The existing lease for the Connect Centre has always been a temporary measure. The proposed development application for the newly purchased property will be a top priority for council and staff, and we look forward to working with BC Housing and social-service providers to address this significant need in our community.”

The Province, through BC Housing, contributed $4 million to purchase the land through the Supportive Housing Fund. Once approved by city council, the site will be rezoned for the proposed use.

Construction is scheduled to begin early in 2025. BC Housing will reach out to local businesses and neighbours this spring, ahead of rezoning, to share more information with the community about this project.

“Our community has been working hard to find a new location for a more permanent shelter solution so people experiencing homelessness have additional support,” said Ronna-Rae Leonard, MLA for Courtenay-Comox. “Today’s announcement signifies a great step in the partnership between the Province and the City of Courtenay to work together to provide supportive housing and shelter in our community.”

The project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has nearly 78,000 homes delivered or underway, including more than 360 homes in Courtenay.

Learn More:

A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available 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://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing