The City of Kamloops has announced the purchase of two properties to support the development of housing in the city.
One property includes six parcels of land on St. Paul Street: 503, 511, 519, 527 and 533 St. Paul St., all currently used for parking. The second property is located at 317 and 323 Tranquille Rd., where the city plans to demolish an existing building this spring.
The land acquisition cost the city a total of $3.5 million — $1.2 million for the North Shore property and $2.35 million for the South Shore property.
Speaking to city council on Tuesday, CAO David Trawin said there are no solid plans in place, at least for the St. Paul Street property.
“Both these properties were purchased to add to council’s inventory of housing properties,” Trawin said Tuesday. “Council has several properties throughout town which are going to be used for different housing projects across a continuum.”
The provincial government and the City of Kamloops are set to make a housing announcement on Wednesday. Mayor Ken Christian will join Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Selina Robinson at Horizon North for the announcement this afternoon.
In a media release, the city says it has been actively working with BC Housing and community partners to expand opportunities across the housing continuum. Once land is made available, the city works with BC Housing to determine appropriate projects for the sites.
The city also purchased riverfront property at 1286 River St. for $702,500 to create a new park.
