
Map of proposed site of new BC Housing project on Fortune Drive/via BC Housing Let's Talk
A BC Housing proposal to build 54-units affordable housing on Fortune Drive has been delayed by at least two months after pushback from the community.
BC Housing announced the purchase of three properties – 321 and 327 Fortune along with 285 Leigh Road – with a goal of building supportive housing for single adults of all ages, genders, and abilities.
“At this site, we plan to create 54 homes with support services,” BC Housing said on its Let’s Talk Page. “These new homes are an important part of our continued effort to address and prevent homelessness in the community.”
A staff report from the City of Kamloops said BC Housing will “consider who will be housed and what their needs are and design the site to ensure there is amenity space for residents to connect and outside space.
“BC Housing will look at regional data collected through its supportive housing registry to determine the city’s demographics and support needs when planning the site,” the report said.
The report also says supports will include a meal program, connections with health services along with jobs and life skills training.
“There will be a minimum of two staff available 24/7,” the report said. “Security measures will be incorporated, including 24/7 staff coverage, designing the building with one point of entrance to monitor people coming and going, and installing fencing and security cameras.”
But in order for the project to proceed, BC Housing needs zoning amendments from City Hall – which heard from area residents like Danielle Oswell, who was concerned about the type of housing proposed.
“I did receive a response from BC Housing about this and they told me quote-unquote – they will not be discriminating against drug use – and this is in my backyard,” Oswell said.
“I have coworkers who live down from Moira House and every morning he gets up and has his coffee and watches them go down the river, up on to Schubert and get their drugs,” Oswell added.
“I used to have drug deals daily on the corner of my property and I have been doing by best in the last three years to clean it up along with my neighbours who have kids and I don’t see that anymore.”
Her comments – along with those from other people during the public inquiries portion of Tuesday’s council meeting – came after a motion by Councillor Dale Bass to delay the rezoning application.
“I would move that we postpone discussion on 9.2 until the council meeting of November the 5th in order to give staff a time to consult further with BC Housing,” Bass said, while making her motion. “I’m moving this because I’m not happy with the process that has happened so far.”
“I think our staff need more time to talk to bch and share the concerns that have been express by many many many people in the community.”
Bass was referring to the blackout period for provincial bodies during the election. Under the Elections Act, once the writ drops, public bodies like BC Housing are barred from making announcements – or public statements – with only rare exceptions.
“It really needs to come after the election when people can talk to us again right? Since BC Housing can’t really talk to us really soon once the writ drops,” Bass added.
The motion to delay the rezoning decision was approved unanimously by the rest of council.
“If the rezoning is approved, BC Housing start its search for a housing operator and begin design work for the purpose-built development,” the staff report said. “BC Housing plans to commence construction in 2026.”
- A rendering of BC Housing’s planned development at 321 and 327 Fortune along with 285 Leigh Road.
- BC Housing handout with details on plans for 321 and 327 Fortune along with 285 Leigh Road.