Kelowna Launches Balsam Place Tiny Home Community Providing Safe, Supportive Housing This June

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Key Takeaways

• Innovative Initiative: Kelowna continues to lead with proactive housing solutions for those in need.
• Efficient Construction: The new tiny home project was completed in less than a year and at a lower cost.
• Collaborative Effort: A key partnership between the provincial government and the City of Kelowna.
• Supportive Living: Each unit provides essential amenities and on-site supports to help residents transition to stability.
• Community Engagement: Open dialogue is encouraged to address safety and foster collaboration among neighbours.

Kelowna is celebrating another milestone in its ongoing effort to provide safe and supportive housing options. This June, a new chapter begins as residents start moving into Balsam Place, a thoughtfully designed tiny home community located on Appaloosa Road.

The project was inaugurated by key community figures including B.C. Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon and Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas. In a powerful statement, Minister Kahlon stated:

“Every single person, regardless of income or status, deserves a roof over their head.”

This initiative marks a major step in Kelowna’s partnership with the provincial government, following the success of previous HEARTH projects.

Balsam Place comprises 60 temporary homes, rounding out a 180-home partnership with the provincial government. Notably, the latest phase was constructed in less than a year by Greyback Industries of Penticton—demonstrating both efficiency and fiscal responsibility. This approach has resulted in lower construction costs compared to earlier builds.

Community engagement remains a priority. Some neighbours had concerns about safety and community impact. In response, residents along Appaloosa Road are invited to tour the facility and learn about the supports in place prior to tenant move-in on June 23. This step highlights the city’s commitment to open dialogue.

Each unit at Balsam Place is equipped with a private entrance, bed, desk, mini fridge, heating and air conditioning, and ample storage space. In addition, shared spaces for dining, relaxing, and laundry services are available alongside on-site supports including overdose-prevention services and access to care professionals. As Mayor Tom Dyas remarked:

“With Balsam Place, we are supporting even more individuals as they move forward on their journey out of homelessness, helping to build a safer, healthier community for everyone.”

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Balsam Place?
  Balsam Place is Kelowna’s new temporary tiny home community designed to support individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
• How many units are available?
  The project features 60 thoughtfully designed homes, supplementing Kelowna’s overall housing partnership initiative.
• What amenities are provided?
  Each home includes a private entrance, bed, desk, mini fridge, and climate control, along with shared facilities for dining, relaxation, and laundry. On-site supports are also available.
• How is community safety addressed?
  The city is proactively engaging neighbours by offering facility tours before new tenants arrive, ensuring transparency and collaborative dialogue.