Third tiny home project opens up 60 spots for homeless people in Kelowna

Kelowna’s third tiny home project is opening sometime in July with 60 temporary homes for people without one.

The project, dubbed Balsam Place, at 3199 Appaloosa Road gives people a space with a private entrance, bed, desk, mini fridge, storage, heat and air conditioning, according to a Ministry of Housing media release issued today, June 6.

“We’re making meaningful progress addressing homelessness in Kelowna and throughout B.C.,” housing minister Ravi Kahlon said in the release. “Everyone deserves a safe, inclusive place to live and a chance to build a secure future. These 60 new homes are another step toward bringing people in, off the streets, and keeping our communities strong.”

The first two sites are STEP Place and Trailside Transitional Housing with 119 units, so this new site brings the total up to 179.

“Through our first two HEARTH sites, we have already helped more than 60 people transition into housing,” Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas said in the release. “With Balsam Place, we are helping even more individuals take the next step on their path out of homelessness, while also working to create a safer, healthier community for everyone.”

All three projects are going to be in place for at least three years. The city provided the land for the project and leased it to the province for a nominal fee. The provincial government is providing $6.7 million for the tiny homes and $2.6 million a year to run the site through BC Housing and the Homeless Encampment Action Response Team.

A non-profit housing operator Connective has been chosen to run Balsam Place and people are expected to start moving in next month.

“For decades, Connective has delivered housing and a range of supportive programs in communities across B.C.,” Connective CEO Mark Miller said in the release. “We are proud to draw on our experience and person-centred approach to meet the unique needs of people in Kelowna. We look forward to working with neighbours to build relationships and foster long-term community well-being.”

People who live near Balsam Place created a petition to raise some concerns when construction on the tiny home project began last year. The city said the mayor met with folks from the neighbourhood to address their concerns.

This new site’s opening is coming just a few months after the city’s controversial change up at the tent city on the Okanagan Rail Trail.