People experiencing homelessness in Penticton will soon be better supported and have more places to stay indoors with a new partnership between the city and Province, and a new site to build temporary homes.
"We're working on every front to help people leave encampments and find a safe place to stay where they can access the support they need," said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. "We know there's an urgent need for temporary housing in Penticton, and that's why we're working with the city, snpink'tn Indian Band and local partners to provide these spaces and supports as quickly as possible. Homelessness and encampments are a complex challenge. We'll keep making progress through meaningful partnerships to build safer, stronger communities."
The Province, through BC Housing and in co-operation with the City of Penticton, is taking the next steps with 616 Okanagan Ave. E. as a site for up to 50 new temporary tiny homes with on-site supports for people experiencing homelessness. On Nov. 4, 2025, the City of Penticton will consider a temporary-use permit for this purpose.
Pending municipal approvals, these homes will be offered to people experiencing homelessness in the community, with wraparound supports to support them on a permanent pathway to housing. To help bridge demand for indoor housing, BC Housing extended funding for the 2025 temporary winter shelter to stay open over the past summer and winter, and added five more spaces.
BC Housing will select an experienced non-profit organization to manage the site, which will provide daily meals, 24-7 staff support, including mental-health and addiction referrals and supports, employment assistance and help accessing permanent housing. In addition, several security measures will be built into the site design, such as a fully fenced perimeter, gated access, lighting and security cameras.
"This initiative marks a significant step forward in addressing the impacts of the encampment on our community," said Julius Bloomfield, mayor, Penticton. "It's the result of months of co- ordinated work between the city, the Province, BC Housing, snpink'tn Indian Band and our local partners. This is about restoring safety and dignity, both for those sheltering outdoors and for the broader community."
The city and Penticton Indian Band have worked with BC Housing to identify suitable land for these much-needed spaces.
"The snpink'tn Indian Band welcomes this important step forward with our partners in the Province and the City of Penticton," said Greg Gabriel, Chief, Penticton Indian Band.
"Homelessness is a challenge that affects the whole community and together we must find solutions that are safe, compassionate and sustainable. This announcement reflects the shared commitment to care for all people and to ensure that no one is left without dignity or support. For our people, and for the wider Penticton community, these initiatives represent a path toward healing, stronger relationships and safer futures for everyone."
BC Housing will share further information as the site progresses and provide further details on the Let's Talk project page: https://letstalkhousingbc.ca/penticton-okanagan-ave-east.
The program is part of the Province's commitment to expand the Homeless Encampment Action Response Team (HEART) and Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) programs into new communities, as part of the 2025 Co-operation and Responsible Goverment Accord (CARGA) with the B.C. Green Party caucus.
"Meaningful partnerships can deliver real, lasting results," said Rob Botterell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands. "The leadership of the snpink'tn Indian Band, the city and local partners shows that communities thrive when compassion guides collaboration. Through CARGA, we helped advance these solutions. The B.C. Greens will keep working to ensure every British Columbian has the same access to housing, health care and dignity."
Penticton is part of an expanded group of local governments partnering with the Province to put in place homeless and encampment response and temporary housing solutions, building on progress made in Abbotsford, Campbell River, Chilliwack, Duncan, Kamloops Kelowna, Nanaimo, Powell River, Prince George, Vancouver and Victoria. As the third Interior community to adopt temporary housing, Penticton is taking a significant step toward helping more people transition safely indoors.
This work is part of the Province's Belonging in B.C. plan to help prevent homelessness and bring more people indoors quickly. Since 2017, the Province has more than 93,600 homes delivered or underway, including more than 360 homes in Penticton.
Quick Facts:
• The Province, through BC Housing, will provide annual operating funding and will fund the new spaces through the Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) program, with funding details to be made available once confirmed.
• Budget 2023 included a $1.5-billion investment in the Belonging in B.C. Plan, with $228 million dedicated to encampment-related initiatives.
• The Province is also investing as much as $90 million over three years from Budget 2025 to expand access to housing and supports, helping people move from homelessness to stability and dignity.
• Of the $90 million, $30 million has been secured through an agreement with the B.C. Green Party caucus, to further support communities.
• In addition to this new site, the provincial government also extended funding for the winter shelter over the summer until March 2026.
Learn More:
To read the Belonging in B.C. plan, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BelongingStrategy.pdf
For information about the Homeless Encampment Action Response Teams (HEART) and the Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) programs,
visit: https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/homelessness-services/HEART-HEARTH
To learn about the steps the Province is taking to address the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for people in British Columbia, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/
To see a map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C., visit: https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC
Contacts:
Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs Media Relations
hmamedia@gov.bc.ca
236 475-4435
BC Housing Media Relations
media@bchousing.org
City of Penticton
Communications@penticton.ca
250 809-5623