People in Burnaby experiencing or at risk of homelessness will have a path off the street if a new proposal for approximately 50 supportive and complex-care homes is approved.

“People experiencing homelessness and those with complex challenges deserve safe housing with supports to help them stabilize their lives,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “Working with local governments to deliver supportive housing and health supports is how we reduce homelessness and encampments, which we know don’t work for anyone. Bringing people into these homes not only helps them, but also helps our communities become stronger and more connected.”

The proposal is a joint partnership between BC Housing, the City of Burnaby and Fraser Health, and would see 40 supportive homes and 10 complex-care homes built at 5389 Imperial St. The site is owned by the City of Burnaby, with the proposal seeing the land leased to BC Housing. BC Housing will now work with the City of Burnaby to take initial steps in rezoning the property and engaging with the community on the project.

The supportive homes will be affordable, self-contained studio apartments with tailored support services from a non-profit operator. The complex-care homes will include enhanced on-site health, cultural and social supports provided daily by Fraser Health.

“Supportive housing and complex-care homes are making a positive difference in the lives of many people throughout B.C.,” said Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for mental health and addictions. “The proposed homes in Burnaby would give more people the opportunity to access fundamental supports and health services that provide the stability and care they need to heal and contribute to strong communities.”

If approved, these homes will provide stability, safety and access to essential health and social supports for people facing significant barriers to housing, including mental-health and substance-use challenges. By offering tailored services under one roof, this development helps people improve their health and well-being, while reducing reliance on emergency services.

“Homes with supports and services can offer people stability during a time of need,” said Paul Choi, MLA for Burnaby South-Metrotown. “When we build supportive and complex-care housing, we can bring indoors people sheltering outside or in encampments and connect them with services to help them get on their feet. These homes would help make Burnaby a stronger community, while ensuring some of our most vulnerable people are being cared for with the dignity they deserve.”

This project is 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 more than 4,800 homes in Burnaby.

Quotes:

Mike Hurley, mayor of Burnaby –

“This project represents a key step in our effort to create a pathway for people experiencing homelessness to move to permanent housing. By utilizing city lands, we can provide affordable housing, complex care and, most importantly, compassion to people in need in our community.”

Natalie McCarthy, vice-president, regional care integration, Fraser Health –

“The skilled and compassionate providers of complex-care housing and the health-care providers who work with them are deeply dedicated to the well-being and long-term success of residents. It is so important that we work together to improve access to housing, social and health supports in our communities. On behalf of Fraser Health, I want to express my gratitude to BC Housing and all those working to create new homes that are a place of healing and hope.”

Learn More:

To learn how B.C. is working to deliver more homes for people, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/homesforpeople

To see a map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C., visit: https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC

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