Home / Health / Penticton Council Rejects Tiny Homes for Homeless
Penticton Council Rejects Tiny Homes for Homeless
3 Dec
Summary
- City council voted 4-2 against a BC Housing proposal for 50 tiny homes.
- Concerns cited included location and the need for complex care over housing.
- The province expressed disappointment, calling the decision a setback.
Penticton city council has voted to reject a BC Housing proposal that would have provided 50 tiny homes to combat homelessness. The council's 4-2 decision was influenced by concerns regarding the proposed site and the inclusion of an overdose prevention service, with some councillors advocating for greater investment in mental health and addiction services.
Supporters of the proposal highlighted that it was fully funded by BC Housing and included 24-hour support staff, security measures, and rent requirements for tenants. They argued that rejecting the initiative would further strain municipal services and impede efforts to address a significant encampment on provincial land.
BC's Minister of Housing expressed disappointment, stating that the province had approached Penticton about the program specifically to address the Highway 97 encampment. The minister emphasized that this decision is a setback for those in need and is difficult to understand given the initiative originated from the city, noting that other communities are eager to partner with the province.
