Judging from the many heated conversations going on now about supportive housing in Kelowna, two things seem clear: Most citizens donº¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù™t want housing in residential neighbourhoods for the homeless who also happen to be addicts and/or mentally-ill. Most residents are OK with housing near them for those who donº¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù™t have those issues, who simply canº¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù™t afford accommodations in our expensive city.
So, the problem appears to be about the location, not the concept.
Hereº¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù™s a possible solution: A few months ago, the city bought a large parcel of land near UBCO and the Glenmore landfill, for nearly $12 million.
A (developer) was planning to build a large housing development there before the real-estate market cooled. We already own the land. Itº¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù™s close to an existing bus route to downtown, for specialized services. Thereº¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù™s no nearby neighbours. Itº¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù™s large enough to build an on-site treatment centre and even a skills-training building.
If you think this would be a good idea for Kelowna, please email your thoughts to our politicians at mayorandcouncil@kelowna.ca
Al Janusas
Kelowna