Downtown Kamloops supportive housing facility will reopen after major renovations

The Crossroads supportive housing building in downtown Kamloops will reopen this week after about $10 million in renovations; about 25 residents will return initially and the remaining units are expected to be filled over the coming months.

The Crossroads supportive housing building in downtown Kamloops will reopen to residents this week following a major renovation. The 51-unit building had been closed for more than a year while crews upgraded suites, added an elevator, updated the HVAC system, and reworked office space. The facility is operated by ASK Wellness Society and was refurbished after staff raised concerns about its condition. Funding for the project came through BC Housing’s Community Partnership Initiatives and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Key details: - The building has 51 units and had been shuttered for over a year during renovations. - About 25 residents are scheduled to return starting on Wednesday; many had been moved to leased motel rooms in fall 2024 and some had lived at Crossroads for 10 to 15 years. - Rent at the facility will be set at $500 a month and staffing will be available around the clock to connect residents with medication access, nursing for primary health needs, employment and recovery programs. - The total cost of renovations, including the motel relocation, is reported as about $9.9 million. - The remaining 26 units are expected to be filled over the coming months, with Coordinated Access and Interior Health partners assessing suitable candidates. Summary: The reopening returns long-term supportive housing to residents who were temporarily relocated and begins a staged refill of the building. Work remains on the building facade and the outdoor amenity area, with hopes to finish the exterior work this spring. Plans to explore adding a meal service and calls for more recovery-focused housing were also reported.