The provincial BC Housing agency is continuing its efforts to provide housing in Terrace, this time by buying two lots near the Sportsplex on which it wants to build a complex of 59 single-room units.
Letters have gone out to residents in the area of 4512 and 4520 Little Ave. informing them of BC Housing's plans to have the housing complex up and running sometime in 2028.
"These supportive homes will be deeply affordable studio apartments, each with a private bathroom and kitchenette. They are intended for people who are experiencing or who are at risk of homelessness and require supports to maintain their housing," BC Housing stated.
"This may include meals, life skills and employment training, and referrals to health care and other community services. Many supportive housing programs also provide culturally-informed services."
Little Ave. is right below the Birch Hill Road leading to the bench area of Terrace. Although a gravel road and relatively inconspicuous, Little Ave. played a significant role in the city's history as the predecessor facility to Mills Memorial Hospital was located on the lots.
The letter adds that rezoning is not required and the City of Terrace has provided its support for the project. BC Housing will hire a non-profit agency to manage and operate the facility.
This is the second significant housing development to be built by BC Housing in response to a 2023 homeless count of 156 people, a nearly 50 per cent increase from the count in 2022.
The first development is to be on the 2800 Block of Tetrault on the Southside, directly beside the Joe's Place homeless shelter and right across the street from the Mills Memorial Hospital replacement.
BC Housing purchased an empty lot from the Metis Nation B.C. and two homes on that block to build up to 35 housing units that will then be managed and operated by a non-profit agency.
As with Little Ave., rezoning is not needed on Tetrault for a multi-unit complex. BC Housing wants to demolish the two homes this fall leading to site preparation and then a construction start. It will also request a development permit from the city.
