Decisions made during 2024 will allow for the construction of a 60-unit affordable housing project in downtown Summerland.

The project, to be constructed at 13204 and 13214 Henry Ave., will also house the Summerland Food Bank and Resource Centre.

91裸聊视频淭his project has been several years in the making, and we are so excited to finally see it come to fruition,91裸聊视频� said Randene Wejr, chief executive officer of Turning Points Collaborative Society. 91裸聊视频淔amilies, seniors, and individuals will benefit from the amazing downtown location, with access to services, shopping, schools and transportation.91裸聊视频�

Turning Points, a nonprofit organization, will own and operate the new building, while the food bank will self-fund and occupy a space in the facility.

Of the 60 housing units, 30 per cent will be rented at market rate, 50 per cent will be rented geared to income and 20 per cent will be subsidized for those on fixed incomes.

The facility addresses a need within the community. The 2021 Housing Needs Assessment for Summerland recognized a critical shortage of affordable housing, with more than 400 households spending in excess of 30 per cent of their income on shelter costs.

The location is at the site of the Summerland United Church.

To allow for the construction of the facility, the church has moved from its location and is now sharing space with St. Stephen Anglican Church.

Anne Ellis, minister at Summerland United Church, said the church91裸聊视频檚 mission statement speaks about sharing material and spiritual resources in order to lessen hunger, homelessness, and loneliness.

Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes said the community has affordable housing units, but these have been age-restricted, while the new project will be available for people of all ages.

In February, Summerland's council gave its approval to this development proposal.

During the presentation to council, members of Turning Points said the development is an affordable housing facility, not an emergency shelter, and addictions treatment site or a housing facility with support services on site. 

91裸聊视频淭here is a lack of family housing in Summerland, and no housing sites that support this combined demographic,91裸聊视频� a Turning Points presentation stated.

At the time, Steve Lornie of the Summerland Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about the housing project.

He said Turning Points has had a focus on recovery services in other communities and that Summerland is not equipped to meet the needs of a recovery program.

91裸聊视频淪ummerland has no resources (no hospital, no psychiatric beds, no social welfare agency, no safe injection site, etc.) to handle the problems associated with the clientele that Turning Points customarily works with,91裸聊视频� a letter to council from the chamber board stated.

Others at the council meeting offered similar comments and raised similar concerns about the development.

John Bubb, one of the directors of the Summerland Food Bank and Resource Centre, said there is a need in Summerland for this facility.

91裸聊视频淲e are not exempt in Summerland from homeless people and people with challenges in their lives,91裸聊视频� he said.

Summerland council gave unanimous approval to the facility. Council will also provide a maximum of $547,000 by waiving all permits and fees, waiving development cost charges and waiving variance charges for the development.

Until the construction is completed, the Summerland Food Bank and Resource Centre has relocated and is operating out of the Summerland Alliance Church building, 14820 Victoria Rd. N.