New Supportive Housing units.

(KATHY MICHAELS - EDITOR / iNFOnews.ca)

The province announced today, Sept. 12, 52 new supportive housing units are in the works for 3235 Cougar Road, a site on Westbank First Nation land.

 "We're working in partnership with First Nations and local governments across the province to build much-needed new supportive housing, because we know it works," Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing said in a press release.

"When people without homes are provided a place to call their own with the supports they need to succeed, everyone in the community benefits."

A rezoning application has been submitted to WFN. The rezoning application has received first reading, which provides the opportunity for public consultation. More information about the consultation process will be available from BC Housing this fall.

Turning Points Collaborative Society would operate the supportive housing building, with staff on-site 24/7 to provide supports, including meal programs, life and employment skills training, as well as health and wellness support services.

If the rezoning application is approved this fall, BC Housing will update the community with the estimated project budget, with funding coming from the Province's Supportive Housing Fund, and proposed construction timelines. BC Housing would enter into a sublease with the current lessee of the location. Local modular-home builder Freeport Industries has been selected to lead the construction of the project.

BC Housing will be hosting a virtual neighbourhood information session and will invite neighbours and members of the community to learn about the project, ask questions and provide feedback. In the coming weeks, more details will be shared online.

In addition to this proposed supportive housing project, the Province is working with WFN to deliver 17 affordable homes in the community through the Indigenous Housing Fund.

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