City doles out $300,000 in grants to 3 affordable housing projects

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555 Fuller Avenue

Kelowna city council is expected to approve $300,000 in grants to assist three affordable housing projects.

The money falls under the city's Rental Housing Grants program, which provides Development Cost Charge credits for projects that enter into a housing agreement with the city for a minimum of 10 years.

In August of last year, the city amended the program to shift the focus away from market rental units to affordable rental units.

The projects recommended for 2020 grants include:

• $84,146 for 555 Fuller Avenue - Pathways Ability Society
• $135,365 for 969 Harvey Avenue - Evangel Housing Society
• $80,487 for 330 Valley Road - NOW Canada Partnership with Springdale Properties

None of the projects have broken ground.

The Fuller Avenue property is being used as temporary shelter space for those living on the streets.

This is one of two programs the city offers to encourage affordable rentals.

Ten-year revitalization tax exemptions are also available on new purpose-built rental projects.