Cranbrook city council has approved a three-year temporary use permit (TUP) for a proposed 50-unit BC Housing development at 1525 Industrial Road 2.
The temporary HEARTH development is intended to provide housing with supports while permanent supportive housing is built next to Cranbrook’s existing shelter. The city said construction of the permanent housing is expected to take about three years.
Cranbrook joined the province’s HEART and HEARTH programs in February. The HEARTH program provides emergency temporary housing and shelter options aimed at helping people move indoors and, when available, transition to affordable rental or supportive housing.
Staff at the temporary HEARTH homes will be on-site around the clock, offering meals, health services, life-skills, employment support, security, community connections and other resources, to help residents pursue housing stability and personal wellness.
Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs said the HEARTH housing units will be a strong method to help people experiencing housing insecurity.
“I’m grateful to work with partners like the City of Cranbrook to help more people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. These homes will go a long way to provide people support services to help them get back on their feet, which will make the community stronger and more connected as a whole.” said Boyle.
The proposed one-story modular development would include individual sleeping units and common spaces such as shared washrooms, showers, a commercial kitchen, laundry, dining area, health room, meeting space, and staff offices.
BC Housing will use a public tender process to select an experienced non-profit organization to operate the site.
Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Price said the City will also require a formal agreement outlining how the site must be managed, as well as working with the surrounding neighbourhood, and community partners.
“This is about creating a safe, supported option for people who need housing now, while making sure expectations are clear for how this site is to be managed,” said Price.
Price extends gratitude to BC Housing for their help in combating homelessness in Cranbrook.
“As a Council and a community, we are grateful to BC Housing for their continued support and for working closely with us as we find ways to help manage the issues around homelessness and provide important supports to those who need it. These projects will help fill some of the housing gaps identified in the City of Cranbrook’s Housing Strategy around transitional and supportive housing.” said Price.
The permit for the HEARTH site is temporary, and once the permanent supportive housing location opens, the temporary site will be removed, cleaned up and the property returned to its original condition.
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