Older adults experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless will soon have access to 31 new supportive homes in Cranbrook.
The province has completed renovations at the Cozy Bear, a local motel they purchased in 2024 for supportive seniors housing.
Renovations included sprinklers, a fire alarm panel, a tenant laundry room and a common lounge area.
“These new homes in Cranbrook will help people move indoors, connect to services and build greater stability in their lives,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs.
There will be 20 people moving into the newly renovated Cozy Bear in July, with tenant selection underway for the remaining homes.
“Housing for older adults is a piece of the housing continuum that is often overlooked or forgotten, and these supportive and temporary homes will address an essential need within our community, said Wayne Price, mayor of Cranbrook.
Cozy Bear will be operated by Community Connections Society of Southeast B.C. (CCSSEBC).
The Society also operates the Step Beyond Shelter and temporary supportive housing at the Cranbrook Travelodge.
“Together, we are creating a safe community for some of our community’s most vulnerable people, to provide not only housing but a community to belong to,” said Nancy Reid, executive director, CCSSEBC.
They have provided integrated and accessible social services to individuals and families throughout the East Kootenay region since 1982.
Services that will be provided to residents include life-skills training, employment assistance and referrals to employment counselling, physical and mental-health resources, meals, laundry services and referrals to addiction treatment and recovery services.
There will be a minimum of two staff on-site 24/7 to support residents.
“These new supportive homes will help vulnerable residents access the help they need, in their community and close to services,” said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay Central.
In the interim, BC Housing announced a new project for temporary supportive housing in the industrial area.
The proposal, located at 1525 Industrial Road 2, includes up to 50 temporary homes to provide new opportunities for adults experiencing homelessness to move indoors.
An experienced operator will be selected to run the building, with a minimum of three staff on-site 24/7, offering supportive services to residents.
If approved, construction could start in winter 2026 or early 2027.
“More temporary homes with supports means more people will be able to access help through tough circumstances,” said Steve Morissette, MLA for Kootenay-Monashee.
Funding will be supported through the Province’s Homeless Encampment Action Response Teams (HEART) and Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) programs.
BC Housing and the city will host an open house on July 7 at the Heritage Inn and Convention Centre at 5 p.m.
Residents will be able to learn more about the proposed development and other supportive housing in Cranbrook.
To learn more about BC Housing projects, click here.
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