Support for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness on the Sunshine Coast is on the way at two properties the Province purchased in Sechelt to build new homes with supports.

“Everyone deserves a safe place to call home, and this is our commitment as a government,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “Getting people with complex needs into stable housing builds stronger, more connected communities, and these property purchases are part of our commitment to bring more complex-care and supportive homes to the Sunshine Coast.”

Through BC Housing and in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health, the Province has purchased 5680 Ebbtide St. with the intention of adding 20 complex-care homes. Complex-care housing provides voluntary housing and support services to people with significant health needs, such as mental-health or substance-use challenges.

A non-profit operator will manage the building and provide 24/7 services, with Vancouver Coastal Health providing program participants with enhanced health supports. Teams of professionals will provide the supports needed to maintain stable housing and improve the health of program participants.

“People with complex-care needs deserve access to safe, stable homes and the support they need to live with dignity,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “Purchasing these properties marks an important step forward for the Sunshine Coast, laying the foundation for new homes where people can receive compassionate, centred care close to their communities.”

The Province also purchased a nearby lot on Hightide Avenue with the intention of building 40 supportive homes for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness on the lower Sunshine Coast.

These homes will have kitchenettes and private bathrooms as well as staff on-site 24/7 to help residents stabilize their lives. Supports will include access to employment training and help accessing external social and health services.

“Homes with a variety of supports and services can offer people stability in a time of need while also making the Sunshine Coast community stronger,” said Randene Neill, MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast. “I’m looking forward to seeing these homes become a reality and the additional help they will provide to people and the community.”

These projects are part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has more than 93,600 homes that have been delivered or are underway, including approximately 300 homes in Sechelt.

Quote:

Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for mental health and addictions –

“For people facing homelessness or complex challenges, supportive housing can be a lifeline, a place where people are treated with dignity and given the stability and care they need. This new housing on the Sunshine Coast will help people feel safe, supported and connected, while also strengthening the wider community.”

Quick Facts:

• Approximately 130 people are experiencing homelessness in Gibsons and Sechelt, according to the 2025 Point in Time report.
• The Province, through BC Housing, purchased 5680 Ebbtide St. for $1.4 million through a Complex Care Housing grant.
• The Province, through BC Housing, purchased the nearby lot on Hightide Avenue for $1.4 million through a Homelessness Action Plan Enhanced grant.
• Operators for the two projects will be determined through a request-for-proposals process and further details on building operators will be shared when finalized.

Learn More:

To learn more about government’s new Homes for People action plan, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023HOUS0019-000436

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/

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

To learn how BC Housing is helping to build strong, inclusive communities, visit: https://www.bchousing.org/podcast