On May 6, 2025 Yellowhead Community Services (YCS) announced the official launch of construction on Phase II of the affordable housing development at 240 Park Drive in Clearwater.
The project is funded by BC Housing’s Community Housing Fund (ChF) being made possible with support from the District of Clearwater (DOC) and Simpcw First Nation. This next phase will add 33 new residential units to the community, including a mix of three studio, 16 one-bedroom, eight two-bedroom and six three-bedroom apartments designed to meet the housing needs of many seeking affordable housing.
The homes will support both Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals, and families with a focus on children, youth, seniors and persons with disabilities allowing them to live independently.
“With 33 affordable homes on the way in Clearwater, children, youth and families, seniors, and people with disabilities will have a place of their own that meets their specific needs,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs in a news release from YCS. “We’ll keep working with First Nations and all levels of government to help people find an affordable home in the community they love.”
“Yellowhead Community Services is the owner and operator of the development, with a mandate to provide safe inclusive, and affordable housing solutions for individuals and families in the region,” said Christine Peterson, chief executive officer (CEO) for YCS in the new release.
The CEO added that Phase II represents a “critical step” in helping address the increasing demand for affordable homes in Clearwater and surrounding areas.
YCS delivers an extensive range of contracted programs, primarily funded by various ministries of the Province of B.C., as well as other levels of government. YCS core programs and services include:
- Child, youth and family services.
- Programs for persons with disabilities.
- Mental health and addictions services;
- Employment counselling services (WorkBC).
- Women’s services, transportation services, services for seniors, food security, licensed childcare and early childhood development programs and community centre programs and management.
YCS is a registered charity and non-profit society, serving as the primary contracted service provider for the North Thompson region, from Blue River to McLure.
Alongside its wide range of programs, YCS also delivers transportation services to the communities of Ashcroft, Cache Creek, Clinton, Lillooet, and Lytton, and offers select parent and child services in Merritt and Lillooet. With an average annual staff of 103, YCS plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life throughout the North Thompson Valley, and in all communities, they serve, by supporting individuals, families, local businesses and community initiatives.
The new homes are currently under construction, with an estimated completion date of Fall 2026. Once complete, the full development at 240 Park Drive will provide a total of 59 affordable homes, helping more people to have a stable, affordable place to live while strengthening the community. Phase I of the development was completed in August 2019 with residents now living in 26 completed homes.
YCS will begin developing a wait list for individuals and families interested in living in this development in early spring 2026.
