At a special Council meeting on Tuesday, (September 8), Cranbrook City Council approved a three-year temporary use permit for BC Housing to develop 50 proposed temporary supportive homes at 1525 Industrial Road 2.
The project is intended to provide urgently needed housing while permanent supportive housing is built next to Cranbrook’s shelter, a process expected to take about three years.
Staff will be on site 24/7 to provide supports and services that help residents work toward housing stability and individual wellness goals.
Once the permanent supportive housing site is complete and open, the temporary housing site will be cleaned up and returned to its original state.
“I’m grateful to work with partners like the City of Cranbrook to help more people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness,” says Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs.
“These homes will go a long way to provide people support services to help them get back on their feet, which will make the community stronger and more connected as a whole.”
As the Province announced on February 9, Cranbrook has been named a HEART and HEARTH community.
HEARTH offers emergency temporary housing and shelter options to help people move indoors and, when available, transition to affordable rental or supportive housing.
Council also directed that the temporary use permit require BC Housing and the selected operator to enter into a Letter of Commitment with the City, setting clear expectations for site operations and its role in the surrounding neighbourhood.
“This is about creating a safe, supported option for people who need housing now, while making sure expectations are clear for how this site is to be managed,” says Mayor Wayne Price.
“As a Council and a community, we are grateful to BC Housing for their continued support and for working closely with us as we find ways to help manage the issues around homelessness and provide important supports to those who need it.
“These projects will help fill some of the housing gaps identified in the City of Cranbrook’s Housing Strategy around transitional and supportive housing.”
The proposed development would use one-storey modular construction and include single-occupancy sleeping units, along with shared program and support spaces.
Planned shared spaces include a common dining area, laundry facilities, staff offices, meeting space, a health room, a commercial kitchen, shared washrooms, and showers.
BC Housing will select an experienced non-profit operator through a public tender process. The operator will provide 24/7 staffing and support, including meals, shared gathering spaces, life skills and employment supports, referrals to community services, connections to culturally appropriate services and health resources, and property safety and security in collaboration with community partners.
For more information about HEART and HEARTH program, visit the BC Housing website here.
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