NON-PROFIT OPERATORS SOUGHT FOR KELOWNA HOUSING SITES

VICTORIA – The Province is seeking non-profit housing organizations to develop and operate two new supportive housing sites announced on March 19, 2008 as part of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Province and the City of Kelowna.

The properties, located at 330 Boyce Crescent and 195 Rutland Road North, are slated to be developed with housing units for low-income singles who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Each development will have 30 to 50 units of apartment-style housing and space for supportive services.

Construction is expected to start in early 2009. The City approval process will be consistent with established policies and practices for development permit applications. The Province is paying predevelopment costs and arranging the buildings’ capital and operating funding.

The Province’s contribution to pay for pre-development costs is part of the Provincial Homelessness Initiative, which has committed to the creation of more than 4,000 new and upgraded supportive housing units across B.C. Budget 2008 increased the amount the Province invests in affordable housing and shelters to more than $380 million a year, more than three times as much as in 2001.

The submission deadline for proposals is June 5, 2008. The Expressions of Interest Call document and related details can be accessed at: www.bchousing.org/programs/proposals/Interior_Region.

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