Construction prep begins for 40-bed shelter in downtown Kamloops

Site preparation started in the Columbia Precinct for a 40‑bed, year‑round shelter that BC Housing says is on track to open later this year; The Mustard Seed Kamloops will operate the facility and BC Housing will fund construction and operations.

Site preparation work has begun on provincially owned land in Kamloops' Columbia Precinct for a 40‑bed, year‑round shelter. The article reports the location as 1500 Glenfair Dr., and BC Housing in a statement referenced work at 1055 Glenfair Dr., noting site work began in December 2025. The facility is being called Solace Shelter and is expected to open later this year, according to BC Housing. The Mustard Seed Kamloops will operate the shelter and BC Housing will provide construction and operating funding. Key facts: - The shelter will offer 40 year‑round beds and is intended to serve seniors and older adults experiencing homelessness. - BC Housing says the Solace Shelter will be staffed 24/7 and will provide daily meals, laundry, washroom and shower facilities. - On-site supports reported include case planning, referrals to health care, and assistance to transition to longer‑term housing. - The province, through BC Housing, is funding construction costs and will provide operating funding, with funding details to be released after construction is complete. - The project has faced some community opposition, as noted in the reporting. - Additional planned projects in the Columbia Precinct mentioned include a rental housing development on Columbia St. targeted at middle‑income households, a 20‑bed complex care facility at part of 1100 Glenfair Dr., and a longer‑term plan for 340 senior housing units on the remainder of that site. Summary: The immediate impact is that construction preparation is underway for the Solace Shelter and BC Housing reports the project remains on schedule to open later this year. Several other housing projects in the Columbia Precinct are in planning or expected to begin construction in 2026, signalling broader development activity in the area. Undetermined at this time.