A year and a half after residents of the Wilson-Hadgraft Place affordable housing complex in Kelowna, B.C. were displaced due to structural issues, they learned they would not be returning. Among those affected was Megan Beckmann, a single mother of three, who expressed surprise at learning of plans for a new building on the site. The complex, home to many low-income residents and individuals with disabilities, was evacuated in April 2024 after cracks appeared shortly after the construction of a nearby university campus began. The building was ultimately deemed unsafe, initiating a series of challenges for the displaced residents.
In response to the crisis, a committee including UBC Properties Trust, the City of Kelowna, and the Pathways Abilities Society collaborated to develop a plan for a new building to replace the damaged one. Lesley Cormack, deputy vice-chancellor of UBC-Okanagan, emphasized both legal and ethical responsibilities to the community regarding this project. She expressed regret over the residents’ displacement, conveying a commitment to provide a new living space for those affected.
The proposed new housing will be situated on land purchased by UBC-Okanagan near Capri Mall. A land swap arrangement is set to occur, wherein UBC-O will gain control of the former Wilson-Hadgraft location, while the new site will officially belong to the city. Alan Clay, executive director of Pathways, acknowledged the emotional toll this transition has taken on former tenants, emphasizing the necessity for a positive resolution to ease the pain and suffering caused by the displacement.
Demolition of existing structures on the future site of the new affordable housing building is scheduled to begin in October. Following this, construction is expected to take around two years. While there’s hope for a renewed living arrangement for the former residents, Pathways has yet to confirm whether they will have priority in securing units in the new complex. Clay stated that the organization will evaluate the previous tenants’ circumstances before making decisions, with affordability guidelines from B.C. housing playing a crucial role in determining eligibility.
Beckmann expressed her discontent at the thought of needing to reapply for housing in the new structure, arguing that the residents had already endured significant hardship. She voiced concerns about fairness and the emotional toll on individuals who had considered Wilson-Hadgraft Place their permanent home. Her sentiment reflects the broader worries of many displaced residents about the implications of having to navigate the reapplication process amidst a challenging housing landscape.
In conclusion, while there is optimism surrounding the development of a new housing solution for former residents of Wilson-Hadgraft Place, significant challenges remain regarding their reentry. The situation underscores the complexities of providing affordable housing, especially following a disruption caused by unforeseen structural issues. Moving forward, it will be essential for community stakeholders to address both the practical and emotional needs of those affected as they transition to new living arrangements.
