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Kelowna city council have approved a form and character application that will pave the way for a new 49-unit supportive housing project in Rutland.
The project will be located at the current site of the Knights of Columbus Hall along McCurdy Road.
That location was already-re-zoned two years ago to support a medium-density housing project, meaning the project will not go to a public hearing.
Multiple councilors praised the project’s design as well as its addition to Kelowna’s growing supportive housing supply.
However, there has been opposition to the project that will house both youth between the ages of 19 and 24 as well as individuals experiencing homelessness.
Councillor Charlie Hodge opposed the project saying the proposal “has a fly in the ointment” and is not the same project council approved in 2017.
Rutland community members have also voiced opposition to the project that sits on blocks away from two schools.
“I’m asking you to pause this new supportive housing project until the issues surrounding the existing Rutland projects are resolved to their neighbourhood’s satisfaction,” said Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick in an open letter.
Once constructed, the Canadian Mental Health Association of Kelowna will oversee the day-to-day operations and provide 24/7 support services to residents.
“The time to complain is over,” said Mayor Colin Basran.
“We have created the Journey Home plan to combat homelessness and we’re moving forward with it. I thank everyone who has gotten behind the plan and become part of the solution.”
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