Glenfair Seniors Complex (Photo via Google Maps)
The BC Government, through BC Housing, is looking at ways to replace the aging 80-unit Glenfair seniors complex in Kamloops with “newer high-quality affordable homes.”
Owned by BC Housing, the property at 1100 Glenfair Drive requires extensive and ongoing repairs which may also allow for an expansion to build more units at the site near Peterson Creek Park, the Province said, in a statement.
“Glenfair has provided safe and affordable homes for seniors and people with disabilities in Kamloops for decades,” David Eby, B.C.’s Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing said, in a statement. “A redevelopment could modernize its aging homes and ensure that it continues to be a valuable housing resource for the community for years to come.”
The nine residential buildings at the Glenfair Seniors Complex – currently home to seniors and people with disabilities who are on fixed incomes – opened between 1958 and 1982. Five of the buildings are one storey with four units each while the other four have two storeys with six to 24 units.
Planning for these upgrades is in the early stages. The Province says tenants, neighbouring residents, and key stakeholders have been told about the consultation process – which is expected to begin immediately – so they can help shape development plans.
“The city is encouraged to see that BC Housing will be conducting a thorough planning and engagement process to help inform the redevelopment of Glenfair,” Mayor Ken Christian said, in the statement.
“The replacement of aging affordable housing stock and the commitment by BC Housing to offer new affordable units on site to the existing tenants aligns with the Downtown Plan’s land-use policies for this area of the Columbia Precinct.”
If the redevelopment project is approved, tenants will be supported so they are able to stay in their units as much as possible until the new homes are completed.
The Province says existing tenants will be given first choice of new units, with no changes to their monthly rent unless their income or household size has changed.
