Photo: CTV

The Province and the City of Kelowna are taking action to help the city's homeless.

80 new shelter beds will open in Kelowna immediately.

The beds will be opening at the former A&B Sound at 425 Leon Ave., which will be operated by the John Howard Society. The shelter will be open from November 30, 2017, to March 2018 and staffed around the clock. Guests will be offered services such as three meals per day, storage for their belongings and access to health and wellness services.

"Our government is taking immediate action to help people struggling with homelessness get off the streets and into safe shelter and suitable housing where they can access the support services they need," said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. "These projects are an important start to addressing the growing issue of homelessness in Kelowna, while we continue to work with our community partners to develop permanent and sustainable housing options."

The Province is also proposing the creation of approximately 52 units of new, modular housing with supports, through a funding commitment of $8.1 million. The city is working with BC Housing to finalize a location. The opening date for the project will depend on when the site is selected.

This is part of the Province's commitment to invest $291 million to build 2,000 modular units over two years throughout B.C. by working in partnership with local governments.

Currently available modular housing at 1642 Commerce Avenue will be re-purposed pending approval of a development permit from the City of Kelowna.

The move will allow BC Housing to expedite the delivery and installation of the units. The Province has allocated $3.4 million in capital funding for this project.

Twenty supportive housing units will also be available at the former Good Night Inn, at 2639 Highway 97, while BC Housing finalizes renovation plans for the building, which will feature more longer-term housing. It will be operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association and will remain open until the supportive housing at Commerce Avenue is ready for occupation.

"We are very pleased with the Province's reinvigorated investments in housing solutions for Kelowna," said Doug Gilchrist, divisional director of Community Planning and Strategic Investments. "These investments will add a variety of housing options to address a spectrum of needs in our community."