City partners to deliver housing that is more affordable for middle-income families
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2025
The City of Kelowna is partnering with local non-profit developer Housing Okanagan Foundation to deliver a new housing project which will be more affordable for middle-income families at 1428 St. Paul Street.
Development plans include 149 rental suites, with 30 per cent of the suites offered at 20 per cent below-market rates—to meet the affordability needs of household incomes ranging from $80,000 to $120,000. As development costs are gradually paid down, more suites will become available at below-market rents.
“Affordable housing is a top priority for Council, and this project shows how we can work together to take action and deliver housing for middle-income families,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. “By building more homes for teachers, nurses, electricians and other skilled professionals, we are working to ensure everyone in Kelowna has greater access to the housing options they need, while creating a strong, connected community.”
The City has provided a 65-year, non-market lease on the parcel of land for the project. Housing Okanagan Foundation will be seeking funding and financing through the Province’s BC Builds program with the goal of beginning construction in 2026.
“We’re honoured by the trust the City has placed in us to lead this work, and we’re excited to partner with them to deliver real results for middle-income households.” Rich Threlfall, CEO of Housing Okanagan Foundation “With a strong, experienced team behind us—from consultants to our construction partners—we’re not just building homes, we’re setting a precedent. This project will serve as a scalable model for long-term, non-profit, community owned housing throughout the Okanagan.”
Expanding access to affordable housing for middle-income families strengthens the entire housing system, creating a ripple effect that improves stability across all housing types, supports our most vulnerable residents, reduces the risk of homelessness, and fosters healthier, more resilient communities.
This initiative is part of the City’s Housing Action Plan, which outlines a series of high-impact actions to address Kelowna’s housing challenges, including affordability. For more information, visit kelowna.ca/housingactionplan.
For more information, contact:
Ben Walker
Strategic Land Development Manager
City of Kelowna
250-469-8472
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2025
The City of Kelowna is partnering with local non-profit developer Housing Okanagan Foundation to deliver a new housing project which will be more affordable for middle-income families at 1428 St. Paul Street.
Development plans include 149 rental suites, with 30 per cent of the suites offered at 20 per cent below-market rates—to meet the affordability needs of household incomes ranging from $80,000 to $120,000. As development costs are gradually paid down, more suites will become available at below-market rents.
“Affordable housing is a top priority for Council, and this project shows how we can work together to take action and deliver housing for middle-income families,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. “By building more homes for teachers, nurses, electricians and other skilled professionals, we are working to ensure everyone in Kelowna has greater access to the housing options they need, while creating a strong, connected community.”
The City has provided a 65-year, non-market lease on the parcel of land for the project. Housing Okanagan Foundation will be seeking funding and financing through the Province’s BC Builds program with the goal of beginning construction in 2026.
“We’re honoured by the trust the City has placed in us to lead this work, and we’re excited to partner with them to deliver real results for middle-income households.” Rich Threlfall, CEO of Housing Okanagan Foundation “With a strong, experienced team behind us—from consultants to our construction partners—we’re not just building homes, we’re setting a precedent. This project will serve as a scalable model for long-term, non-profit, community owned housing throughout the Okanagan.”
Expanding access to affordable housing for middle-income families strengthens the entire housing system, creating a ripple effect that improves stability across all housing types, supports our most vulnerable residents, reduces the risk of homelessness, and fosters healthier, more resilient communities.
This initiative is part of the City’s Housing Action Plan, which outlines a series of high-impact actions to address Kelowna’s housing challenges, including affordability. For more information, visit kelowna.ca/housingactionplan.
For more information, contact:
Ben Walker
Strategic Land Development Manager
City of Kelowna
250-469-8472
