BC Housing announces 20 complex care beds for Kamloops

British Columbia’s Ministry of Housing has announced that new complex-care homes are planned for Glenfair Drive.

In a news release issued Monday afternoon, the Ministry of Housing said the 20 news homes will be geared toward people living with complex mental-health and substance-use challenges.

“This project is part of our work to make communities safer for everyone by delivering real solutions to address the complex challenges people face,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs.

The homes will be built on a subdivided portion of a 5.5 hectare (13.5 acre) lot in the Columbia Precinct area.

In a separate news release, the City of Kamloops explained that the site was earmarked due to its proximity to essential health services, including Royal Inland Hospital, a psychiatric facility, mental health and substance use services, detox facilities, substance use counselling, and a planned sobering and assessment centre.

BC Housing will be partnering with a housing provider to operate the site at 1100 Glenfair Drive as well as Interior Health, which will provide health services to the people living there.

An operator has not been selected at this time, however.

The housing will provide voluntary housing and support services to people. A team of professionals will work with them to maintain stable housing and improve their quality of life, the province noted.

Before construction can start on the new three-storey building, one of the nine aging buildings on Glenfair Drive will need to be demolished.

The news release said BC Housing is working with its partners to develop a relocation plan to help the 21 current tenants find new housing.

According to the news release, the province is still working to redevelop Glenfair to make way for about 340 new affordable homes for seniors.

The province first hinted at redeveloping the complex in October 2021 and in June 2024, the province announced planning had begun for a 40-bed, year-round shelter at 1055 Glenfair Drive.

“These new homes will provide much-needed support for some of our most vulnerable residents, ensuring they have access to the care and stability they need,” said Margot Middleton, deputy mayor of Kamloops.

“This project is an important step toward building a healthier, more inclusive community for everyone in Kamloops.”