Kamloops - Glenfair Drive

Overview

Planning for the redevelopment of Glenfair Seniors Housing at 1110 Glenfair Drive is well underway as part of BC Housing’s Provincial Redevelopment Program.

This site is a unique, 13.5-acre property located west of Peterson Creek in the Central Kamloops area. BC Housing owns nine residential buildings on this site. They were built in 1958 and 1982. For more than 60 years, Glenfair Seniors Housing has provided homes for many seniors and people living with different abilities on fixed incomes.

The current buildings are aging and need extensive repairs. BC Housing plans to replace the older buildings with modern, high-quality, and more resilient homes. An investment in new affordable housing will benefit the immediate neighbourhood as well as residents of Kamloops for generations to come.

Plans are underway to rebuild the existing 80 affordable seniors' homes and add 260 additional homes to accommodate a variety of income levels. The result will be approximately 340 new affordable non-market and market rental homes across four buildings. Each building will be up to six storeys. BC Housing will continue to own the Glenfair property following redevelopment.

Redevelopment Update

BC Housing is planning to subdivide a piece of land in the northwest corner of the Glenfair site, known as Lot 1, from the rest of the Glenfair property. This subdivision will include:

• The fencing off of this piece of land
• The eventual demolition of this building

This subdivision will not be part of the Glenfair redevelopment project. The subdivision of this land and the new access from an extension at 5th Avenue will make the site available for a separate project that will include a 20-unit Complex Care Housing building. Learn more about Kamloops Complex Care Housing.

Guiding Principles for Resident Housing Transitions

Safe and secure housing for the current residents of Glenfair Seniors Housing will continue to be a priority for BC Housing. Construction is planned in phases to minimize the number of residents who need to move off-site temporarily. We will work with each household to make sure they have access to secure housing and their needs are met throughout planning and redevelopment. A resident support worker will be available to provide support before and during the moving process, if relocation is required.

Community Engagement

A revised development concept emerged from BC Housing’s two-year study of the Glenfair property. Input was received from 2021 to 2023 from residents of Glenfair Seniors Housing and the Kamloops community on the project Vision Framework and the Preliminary Redevelopment Options.

Community feedback supported the urgent need for additional affordable rental housing. This site’s close proximity to the hospital, transit and local services makes it well suited for this type of mixed-use housing. Feedback encouraged a design that promotes a sense of community among residents and highlighted the importance of:

• Connections to green space and natural areas
• Sustainable building practices
• Accessible design and design flexibility to allow seniors to age in place
• Safe and convenient routes for pedestrians, cycling and mobility scooters
• A focus on residents who are seniors and those with accessibility needs
• Designing the development to prevent crime
• Priority amenities for residents include green space, gardens, outdoor seating areas, a common room, and personal storage options

Indigenous Engagement

BC Housing is committed to meaningful Indigenous partnerships and relationships based on Principles of Reconciliation and gratefully acknowledges the project is located on the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc territory, situated within the unceded traditional lands of the Secwépemc Nation. BC Housing appreciates the partnership that we have with Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and respects the territory and land on which the project is located.

What is the Provincial Redevelopment Program?

The B.C. government’s housing strategy is designed to help those in greatest need obtain safe and affordable housing.

A key part of the strategy includes redeveloping provincially owned properties with aging buildings on underutilized land. This strengthens and protects affordable housing and allows us to:

• Replace old homes with new ones
• Integrate more affordable housing into communities
• Address gaps in housing options for a variety of income levels
• Provide environmentally sustainable housing

BC Housing works with local governments and community organizations on these projects.

BC Housing’s role varies with each redevelopment project. Our success comes through strong partnerships with local governments and community organizations.

Questions?

We are committed to providing regular progress updates. If you have further questions or comments, please email communityrelations@bchousing.org