Vernon - 2307 43 Street

Photo caption: This photo is an approximation of what we intend to construct and is subject to change.

Creating healthy, safe, stable homes for people in Vernon

The proposal for 2307 43 Street is to demolish the old Howard House shelter, which has long been slated for redevelopment, and build approximately 50 units of new supportive housing adjacent to the Our Place shelter. Our Place would continue to provide temporary housing for up to 46 people for the next 10 to 15 years.

BC Housing would purchase the site from Turning Points Collaborative Society. City of Vernon planning staff have put forward a text amendment to the current zoning bylaw for the 43 Street site, which will be read by council later this summer. If the proposal is approved, BC Housing would aim to begin construction in late Fall 2020. The property is currently vacant, making it the perfect time to begin redevelopment.

Turning Points Collaborative Society (TPCS) is an experienced local non-profit society providing housing and support services to people experiencing homelessness in the region. They would operate the building and provide residents with supports such as meal programs, life and employment skills training, and health and wellness support services. Staff would be onsite 24/7, working with each resident to understand their needs and goals and providing the support they need to have housing stability.

BC Housing and TPCS would select residents in collaboration with local service providers. All new residents would pay rent and sign a program agreement and good neighbour agreement.

Virtual Neighbourhood Dialogue Session

In order to support the successful integration of the building and tenants into the surrounding community, BC Housing and TPCS invite the community to explore ways to build an inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity for safe and healthy places to live and work.

BC Housing, TPCS and other partners engaged neighbours and the community in small group discussions to explore ideas for how the community can support the success of this new housing. The discussion for Our Place (2307 43 Street) was canceled; however, a discussion about My Place (2600 35 Street) was held on Wednesday, August 26.