Initiative aims to create affordable housing for middle-income families in Kelowna.
The City of Kelowna has joined hands with local non-profit developer Housing Okanagan Foundation to initiate a new housing project at 1428 St. Paul Street, focusing on affordability for middle-income families.
The project is set to include 149 rental suites, with 30% of these offered at 20% below-market rates. This initiative targets household incomes between $80,000 and $120,000, with the potential for more below-market rent suites as development expenses are repaid.
Mayor Tom Dyas highlighted the project’s importance, stating, ‘Affordable housing is a top priority for Council, and this project shows how we can work together to take action and deliver housing for middle-income families.’ He added that the project aims to create a stronger community by providing more housing options for skilled professionals.
The land for the development has been leased by the City under a 65-year, non-market lease agreement. Housing Okanagan Foundation plans to seek additional funding through the Province’s BC Builds program, with construction expected to commence in 2026.
Rich Threlfall, CEO of Housing Okanagan Foundation, expressed his organization’s commitment to the project, stating, ‘We’re honoured by the trust the City has placed in us to lead this work.’ He emphasized that the project sets a precedent for long-term, community-owned housing in the Okanagan region.
The initiative is part of Kelowna’s Housing Action Plan, which aims to tackle housing challenges in the area through high-impact measures. More information is available at kelowna.ca/housingactionplan.