With homelessness increasing, BC Housing is proposing a new supportive housing facility for Powell River.
On Thursday, the city announced that they are partnering with BC Housing on the project, which proposes a new supportive housing and shelter facility on city-owned land near the qathet General Hospital on Joyce Avenue.
The building would include 43 single-occupant units, 20 shelter spaces, and 24/7 staff support for adults, seniors, and people with disabilities who are either dealing with homelessness or at risk of being homeless.
They say this comes after the last Point in Time Count found 126 people experiencing homelessness, with 74 percent of them being unsheltered.
BC Housing hopes through this proposal, they can lease a portion of the land to develop the building, where if approved, could lead to construction starting next year.
They also want the city to approve bylaws related to rezoning and closing a portion of the Complex Way highway.
As part of this project, BC Housing is holding an open house for the community to learn more about the proposal and ask questions.
Neighbouring property owners will get an invite letter to the event, which runs on September 11. Location and time is unknown at this time.
