Tiny home supplier sought

Plans for a second tiny home village in Kelowna continue to move ahead with the city, on Monday, issuing a request for design, manufacturing and installation proposal.

The city is looking to create "modular tiny homes to create a village for individuals experiencing homelessness” according to the request for proposals.

"The tiny homes must be easy to assemble, disassemble, and relocate as needed."

The city described the project as housing units designed as a rapid safety net solution for urban areas, providing immediate, durable shelter for residents in need.

"Constructed with resilient, weather-resistant materials such as steel frames and modular panels, they are quick to assemble and can be rapidly deployed on vacant lots, underutilized spaces, or other urban settings,” reads the city document.

"The design is compact and efficient, with essential amenities to ensure comfort and security, such as insulated walls, wind-resistant roofs, and energy-efficient windows."

These units are intended to offer a stable, temporary housing option that can be adapted to various site conditions within cities.

"They prioritize durability and functionality while providing safe, dignified living spaces for those in need of emergency or transitional shelter," the city document states.

The city will be accepting proposals for this leg of their tiny home project until Oct. 15.

While a supplier is being sought, there's still unrest among those who live in the neighbourhood where the tiny homes are set to be set up.

Late last month the City of Kelowna and provincial government announced that the location of the next 60-units of housing for the currently unhoused will be built at 3199 Appaloosa Rd.

A petition posted last month has garnered 1,317 signatures of a desired 1,500 to date.

They claim the announcement came before any notification or engagement of the local community members.

"Understandably, neighbours were shocked, scared and frustrated. It is our understanding that the city paid $3.65 million for the land, and plans to lease it to B.C. Housing for $1 per year,” the petition read.

"North Glenmore is home to a diverse and vulnerable population, including young families, international students, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. This location is less than 100 meters from residential homes and under three kilometres from an elementary school, a middle school, a private school and a University. These groups rely on the security and stability of our communities. The two other locations of the supportive housing (STEP Place and Trailside) in the city are in industrial areas, with a good amount of distance to the closest neighbourhoods."

Before any more plans move forward, the residents who signed the petition would like an opportunity to have their concerns raised

The city already has two facilities already built, one next to tent city on the rail trail and the other at 2740 Highway 97.

The latter is not tiny homes, rather modular housing for people with more complex need.