Kelowna Residents Urge City to Halt New Care Facility Development

UPDATE: Residents in Kelowna, B.C., are urgently calling on city officials to reconsider a proposed 40-unit supportive and complex care facility slated for Pacific Avenue, near Capri Mall. Concerns are mounting as locals fear this development will exacerbate existing issues related to social support services in the area.

“I have major concerns,” said local resident Tony Lonergan, expressing the sentiments of many neighbors. The facility is part of a partnership between the City of Kelowna and BC Housing, but residents argue that the community is already saturated with similar services.

Residents point to multiple facilities within a 2.5-kilometre radius of the proposed site, including a halfway house and a supportive housing complex known as Stephen Village. Lonergan noted, “Homeless people are walking down these streets. They’ve damaged buildings. They’re constantly going through the bins,” adding, “I think it will get worse.”

In a letter addressed to the city council, residents voiced their frustration with the lack of community consultation regarding the project. They expressed fears that the new facility would lead to increased issues like open drug use, fights, and break-ins, already documented by residents near Agassiz Road.

While no city officials were available for comment, Mayor Tom Dyas reassured residents during a council meeting last month, stating, “None of what you have said goes unheard; we hear everything you say.” He emphasized that the council is aware of the community’s concerns as they voted on project-related parking variances.

The City of Kelowna has released a statement committing to community input throughout the development process. They confirmed that the project would adhere to the highest safety standards, incorporating principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), such as improved lighting and clear sightlines to ensure a safe environment.

This facility is scheduled to begin operations in 2027, but residents fear that the timeline will not address their immediate concerns. As this story develops, Kelowna residents are urged to stay engaged with city officials and monitor updates from BC Housing regarding the project’s progress.

The dialogue surrounding this facility highlights the pressing need for balanced solutions to support social services while ensuring community safety and well-being. Residents remain vigilant, advocating for a thoughtful approach that takes their concerns into account.