Judging from the many heated conversations going on now about supportive housing in Kelowna, two things seem clear: Most citizens donÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™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 donÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™t have those issues, who simply canÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™t afford accommodations in our expensive city.
So, the problem appears to be about the location, not the concept.
HereÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™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. ItÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™s close to an existing bus route to downtown, for specialized services. ThereÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™s no nearby neighbours. ItÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™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
