Creating Homefulness in Summerland

Another in our “Life in our little town” series

I was expecting a battle as I took my place in the viewers gallery of the District of Summerland council chambers a couple of nights ago. Someone told someone who then  told me that NIMBYism was again exploding in our little town. (Don’t get me going on the Dog Park controversy—that’s a story for another time.) I attended the meeting to express support, even delight, in relation to a proposed sixty-unit social housing project in the heart of downtown Summerland. Social media rants, coupled with reports of a stormy afternoon council meeting suggested that strong advocacy was required.

Well, I was wrong. Council was unanimous in its enthusiasm, and the first member of the public from the Chamber of Commerce expressed support with one caution: “The devil is in the details.” Details matter for sure, but given good governance and robust communication, resolution of any problems will inevitably follow. The one sticking point seemed to be, sigh, parking. Truthfully, access to parking is really tight down there, both in the new building itself and in areas proximate to the development. Some work still to be done there.

As to the development itself the property is currently owned by the United Church of Canada for the use of the congregation of Summerland United Church. A very lively community food bank also operate from the present church. Realizing the need to continue its ministry in a different way, the congregation made the brave decision to find space elsewhere for worship and operations. (Conflict of interest declaration: The local congregation plans to join the Anglican congregation in a cost- and facility-sharing arrangement once the property is vacated—This new arrangement will benefit both congregations and is already creating energy and enthusiasm). So I want to see this project flourish.

The presentation delivered to council described “a mixed-use, 5-storey building with 60 BC Housing apartment units. The first floor is 3,549 ft2 CRU to be occupied by the Summerland Food Bank, a residential lobby, a residential amenity space, and offices for Turning Points Collaborative Society – the owner and operator of the proposed mixed-

use development. The 60-apartment units are located on the four storeys above. Each floor contains 15 residential units with a total of 20 1-bedroom suites, 25 2-bedroom suites, and 15 3-bendroom suites. There are three wheelchair accessible 1-bedroom suites on floors 3-5, one on each floor.”

It is no secret that nationally, provincially, and locally, housing and affordability concern most Canadians. In every community sharp increases in the cost of housing especially at the lower and middle income levels are frustrating many potential buyers and renters. Higher interest rates and cost of living challenges, especially in  relation to food,  complicate this situation. Through the Parkdale Place Housing Society Summerland has a long history of responding generously and effectively to the evolving needs of its residents. Hopefully, this new development will break ground in 2024 which once  completed will increase access to affordable housing for a significant number of residents and newcomers. We constantly hear from politicians and commerce groups that we want to grow as a community. Well, here’s our chance.

Beyond the benefits named above there is a moral value to this and similar projects. At the Hubert Humphrey Building dedication, Nov. 1, 1977, in Washington, D.C., former vice president Humphrey spoke about the treatment of the weakest members of society as a reflection of a government: “The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped*.” Currently, we hear a lot about homelessness especially in urban areas of the BC interior. Here in Summerland we have a different response, in our ability, with others, to create homefulness.

The proposal shared with council concluded: “The development proposal envisions a building that enlivens the downtown core, meets the needs of the client and the community, and brings a large supply of affordable housing to Summerland.” Indeed, it does all of these things, and well.

Oh, there is one thing missing however. There is no off-leash dog park. (Inside joke for all Summerlanders—’nuff said)

*Archaic language retained