Artistic rendering of Hearthstone

(JOHN MCDONALD / iNFOnews.ca)

KELOWNA - A supportive housing complex proposed for Commerce Avenue in Kelowna is back before council with a much-improved exterior look.

Known as Hearthstone, the 46-unit modular housing project will be managed by the Central Okanagan John Howard Society and offer low-barrier housing for people with addictions and mental health problems.

Property officer Alec Warrender is recommending Kelowna council approve the form and character of the project, which he says is much improved from the original design and will hopefully to pass muster with neighbouring businesses.

“B.C. Housing has revised the concept and made significant improvements to the building and landscape design in an attempt to work with the surrounding owners and occupants,” Warrender writes.

Local businesses complained the original design looked more like a work camp with construction trailers rather than a residential facility. That prompted B.C. Housing to withdraw its original proposal late last year and submit a new design.

The facility is not meant for long-term use, Warrender notes, and the initial lease for the site is four years with an option to extend it to seven years while more permanent housing is constructed.

Expected to be operational by the end of 2018, the facility will be contain 46 studio suites, a common dining area, commercial kitchen and room for support services.

The facility will be staffed around the clock with controlled access, a CCTV system and exterior perimeter fencing. It will include a secure storage area for bikes and personal possessions.

Hearthstone is part of an effort by B.C. Housing to install 2,000 units of modular housing across the province in a bid to reduce street homelessness.

Earlier this month, B.C. Housing approved an extension of the operating contract for Cornerstone, an emergency shelter opened late last year on Leon Avenue. It is also operated by the John Howard Society.

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