With the closure of Pioneer Arena slated for just a few weeks away, residents can expect to see changes at the site as the City of Castlegar's housing project moves forward.
The project at 925 Columbia Ave. was originally announced as a combined housing and health-care initiative in a single building. But the city says the project has now evolved into two separate buildings on the same site.
"This approach was taken to leverage separate funding streams and increase project eligibility," said a statement from the city.
"While the housing component is moving forward, the city remains committed to developing a team-based health-care centre that will house physicians and clinic spaces to improve access to primary health care."
The city says it is continuing to work with partners and is actively seeking funding for the project.
The housing component will now provide up to 78 new non-market housing units. Non-market housing includes units with rents geared to income and below-market rents for households with moderate incomes.
The project is a collaboration between the City of Castlegar, BC Housing, and Lu’ma Native BCH Housing Society.
The city’s 2024 Interim Housing Needs Assessment identified a need for 708 additional housing units over the next five years to support seniors, young families, and individuals struggling to enter the housing market.
The city says this project will help meet that need by delivering modern, accessible housing in a central location.
“The city has been actively working to support the development of much-needed housing options in Castlegar,” said Mayor Maria McFaddin. “This project is an important step toward ensuring a variety of housing choices are available to meet the needs of our residents. Ensuring access to quality housing is a priority for Castlegar’s long-term livability.”
Construction of the new housing development is expected to begin in August and take approximately 18 months.
