Abbotsford - 1610 and 1670 Riverside Road – Supportive Housing

Proposed façade for the new building at 1610 Riverside Road, subject to change.

BC Housing and the City of Abbotsford are working together to build 63 new supportive homes at 1610 Riverside Road (next to the Cole Starnes Residence at 1670 Riverside Road).

This project is an important part of our continued effort to address and prevent homelessness in Abbotsford. BC Housing first announced plans for this building in February 2022 after the City of Abbotsford and BC Housing signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deliver more supportive housing to the community.

Development

The new 5-storey building will provide 63 supportive homes and include amenities such as an outdoor patio, an indoor lounge and dining area. The site will also include Indigenous-focused programming spaces, artwork and landscaping, with input and feedback from the Matsqui and Sumas First Nations throughout the design process. The parking lot will allow for sports use such as basketball when the parking areas are underutilized.

Since 2016, this location held a temporary 40-bed shelter (Riverside Shelter). This shelter closed in May 2024 when a new 50-bed shelter opened at Lonzo Road and Sumas Way.

In February 2022, BC Housing first announced plans for the new building after the City of Abbotsford and BC Housing signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deliver more supportive housing to the community. This site will not need to be rezoned for supportive housing to be built.

Operator

Lookout Housing and Health Society currently operates the Cole Starnes Residence and will also operate the new building. Lookout has over 50 years of experience providing housing, shelter and support services to people at risk of or experiencing homelessness and those facing poverty, mental health issues and substance use.

Residents of the new homes will have access to person-centred support services such as:

• Daily meals
• 24/7 on-site staff
• Case planning
• Access to on-site health supports
• Life skills training
• Referrals to other community services

These supports and services are for supportive housing residents only. There will be no drop-in services in this building.

Community Engagement

We commit to keeping the community updated about this project, including those living at the Cole Starnes Residence.

In October 2023, we hosted Cole Starnes residents and Riverside shelter guests to learn more about the building plans, ask questions and offer design input. Ideas for indoor spaces included areas for reading, games, socializing, and shared meals. Outdoor plans featured gardens, sitting areas, a sport court, walkways, and spaces for fitness and arts.

We will share a direct phone number for the building when it is available. Community members can also email communityrelations@bchousing.org at any time with questions about the project.