Salt Spring Island – Supportive Housing
There is an urgent need for permanent supportive housing on Salt Spring Island. The 2023 Homeless Count counts has shown that over 160 people are facing or experiencing homelessness in this community. Currently, only a small number of temporary supportive homes are available.
161 Drake Road - Permanent Supportive Housing
In early 2022, BC Housing leased the land at 161 Drake Road from the Capital Regional District to build 28 permanent supportive homes for residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Preparing the site for construction took longer than planned. In October 2023 we learned that the original contractor was unable to complete the work. We had to select a new contractor and revisit the plans for the site. This resulted in further delays.
We are now moving ahead with a new design for a new, purpose-built modular building on this site. The 3-storey building will have 32 supportive housing units, as well as four affordable rental housing units for low- to moderate-income residents, helping increase the amount of housing for Salt Spring residents. We have selected Vancouver Island-based Muchalat Group to complete the development.
Site preparation and civil work are expected to start shortly. We will also be selecting the non-profit housing operator in the coming months. We are anticipating the site to welcome its new residents in Summer 2025.
154 Kings Lane – Temporary Supportive Housing
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Salt Spring Island community members facing homelessness first accessed emergency shelter and services at the Seabreeze Inne (101 Bittancourt Road), then in temporary modular units at 154 Kings Lane where many are still living now.
BC Housing leased the land at 154 Kings Lane from the Gulf Island Seniors Residence Association (GISRA) and we are grateful for their support as we work towards building permanent housing on Salt Spring Island.
The units at 154 Kings Lane are provided and serviced by Black Diamond Group. Umbrella Society is currently providing resident supports.
When the building at 161 Drake Road is ready, we will offer the new homes through our Coordinated Access and Assessment process to ensure an appropriate mix of residents with the right supports live in the housing. Eligible people living at Kings Lane will be considered first.
Once all residents have left Kings Lane, we will remove the temporary units and return the land to the GIRSA.
Community engagement
BC Housing hosted a series of community engagement activities between November 2022 and March 2023, including two online information sessions and an in-person open house. More information can be found in the Salt Spring Island Community Engagement Report.
We recognize there is much local interest in supportive housing on Salt Spring Island, and we will continue to work closely with the community to ensure that housing projects are successful for everyone.
Your feedback and comments are important to us! We welcome questions and comments by email: communityrelations@bchousing.org.
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