Kelowna leaders put homeless, housing atop to-do list

Housing and homelessness are the issues that are first mentioned when asked how Kelowna could improve.

In a multi-piece series by KelownaNow, we will be discussing with councillors housing, homelessness and other topics that they hope to focus on moving into the second half of their mandate.

Coun. Mohini Singh said housing and homelessness comes down to making Kelowna liveable.

"People often refer to Kelowna as being a place only where the wealthy can live. We have to look at making it affordable for everyone as well. A healthy community is not just physical health, health also begins with having a roof over your head and a place for your children to put their heads down."

Coun. Ryan Donn agreed, saying anyone under the age of 40 is having an extremely hard time finding a house to rent in the city.

“I probably had three friends ask me for references for a place to rent because the amount of filters going into places for rent for my friends is utterly insane right now."

Even though rental housing vacancies are in the city and homeless people are living on the streets of Kelowna, councillors said it’s not just a municipal issue. Work needs to be done with the three levels of government.

"We have to take a larger approach to this. Not just move people off the street or whatever. We have to give them an alternative. Where do they go?" Singh asked.

Coun. Gail Given said the City of Kelowna does need more help.

“My intention isn’t to take on additional roles or roles that belong in the provincial or federal venue, but we’re at the table and participating to the fullest we can.”

The issue of homeless people staying in city parks has come up in council recently due to the summer months. Singh said city council has been talking about how to move the homeless away from the parks so it doesn’t impact tourism and people don’t have to question their safety.

Singh said things are in the works.

At the end of June, it was announced that the former Econo Lodge motel in Kelowna would be changing to affordable housing. There will be 44 self-contained units for people with low incomes who are able to live independently, but struggle to find affordable housing In Kelowna.

Donn also mentioned that the city has 1,000 more rental units in the works, but thinks that more people need to be building secondary suites on their properties to help the community.

The City of Kelowna also recently hired a social development manager. He said this new hire will work to tackle these issues that councillors are bringing up.

“Essentially, I know that in one year from now, I'll be proud of the plans we have as a city, of the path we're on, to be a part of the solution to the social issues we have for example homelessness."

Jim Gabriel, divisional director of Active, Living and Culture, said the city hired Sue Wheeler because of her experience and skill set.

“It’s a very important position. City council is very committed to dealing with social issues. Of course one of the biggest ones out there right now is homelessness. She will be working with organizations to work towards a longer-term strategy.”