Revelstoke – 420 Downie Street Affordable Housing

Overview

The 420 Downie St property, formerly known as Mount Begbie Elementary School site, is in the Southside neighbourhood close to downtown Revelstoke. This site was purchased by BC Housing in 2018 with the goal of filling the gaps in Revelstoke’s existing housing stock. This impactful project aims to provide housing for low to middle income earners, families and seniors.

Redevelopment Details

BC Housing plans to build 164 homes at this location to help families, seniors and young people working in the area.

BC Housing has been working together with local residents, the City of Revelstoke, and the Revelstoke Community Housing Society on a plan for the site.

Revelstoke Community Housing Society was chosen as the nonprofit partner to work with BC Housing to build and operate this housing project. Once we receive a building permit, construction could begin in 2025.

The community will be kept up to date as the planning and construction process moves forward.

Preliminary Image Only – Subject to Change

Community Engagement

Three community engagement sessions were held from February to September 2020, both in person and online. In the first session, community members were invited to learn more about the site, ask questions to the project staff, and share their thoughts on the future of affordable rental housing at 420 Downie Street.

In follow up sessions, community members were invited to focus on the three concept plans that were presented and encouraged to ask questions and provide comments. This feedback informed the final concept plan.

In total approximately 150 people participated in the sessions, and nearly 500 surveys were completed.

In 2021, BC Housing submitted the rezoning and Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment application, working with the Advisory Planning Commission through a review process.

BC Housing engaged with stakeholders such as non-profits, major employers and different organizations to explore potential partnership opportunities for the project.

BC Housing incorporated community feedback and analysed design and financial assessments to align interests and provide the best delivery model to Revelstoke, and most notably the Southside community. A Community Engagement Summary that reflects the outcomes of community engagement and municipal planning consultation is available in the Document Library section.

In 2022, the municipal approvals process included a public hearing, and received final approval from Revelstoke City Council.

2024-25

A development permit application was submitted in June 2024, and received unanimous approval.

We will continue to engage with the community as we move closer to the Building Permit stage in 2025.

Keep checking this page to stay up to date about this project.

Questions

We welcome your comments or questions. Please reach out to us at communityrelations@bchousing.org