An application for a subsidized housing project is now being revised after developers agreed to make the project more aesthetically pleasing.
The 55-unit housing project at 1642 Commerce Ave is meant to provide rapid, safe, and affordable housing, together with the necessary support services, to individuals who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness.
The project will be funded by BC Housing’s Rapid Response to Homelessness Program (RRH).
The permit application for the project was supposed to go before City Council yesterday morning, however, BC Housing requested a deferral to address concerns raised by the community.
Now, the applicant will address the design of the housing project before taking the application back to council.
“They are going to take the project back to reconsider the design, and bring it back in a different format for council consideration, probably early in the New Year,” says Doug Gilchrist, Divisional Director, Community Planning and Real Estate for the City of Kelowna.
“Hopefully it’s in a pleasing form that the community is more supportive of,” he adds. “The community out there has told us quite frankly that they’re not opposed to the use, and the location is appropriate.”
Gilchrist says that the community recognizes the need for this type of housing, but wish for a change to the appearance of the project.
“If it’s just form and character, then hopefully BC Housing can address that,” says Gilchrist.
The construction of the project was previously planned to begin this month.
