Kamloops City Council have given two readings to a rezoning application for a three-storey, 21-unit affordable housing project on the North Shore.

The development is slated for two properties at 210 Oak Road and 548 Fortune Drive. The two lots total just under 1,400 square metres in size, according to a City report. The application before City Council on Sept. 26 was to rezone the lots from residential to medium-high density multi-family zoning.

While the Oak Road lot is vacant, there is a house on the Fortune Drive lot that will need to be demolished to make way for the proposed development.

“The properties are surrounded by single-family dwellings to the south, east, and west; a multi-family development to the north across Oak Road; and commercial uses on
the northwest corner of Oak Road and Fortune Drive,” the city report said.

According to the report, Connective Support Society Kamloops – the owner of the lots – held an open house on Sept. 13, which led to about 100 letters of support.

“There were opportunities for community members to read poster boards and discuss the project with the applicant and representatives of the Connective Support Society,” the City report said.

“Previous neighbourhood canvassing resulted in substantial engagement and led to the submission of approximately 100 letters of support submitted to Connective Support Society.”

According to its website, the Connective Support Society Kamloops operates a number of short- and long-term housing options –  including Bedford Manor and Lighthouse downtown – for people with wraparound supports.

The proposal will be sent to a public hearing this fall before it returns to City Council for a third and fourth reading.