Editor’s note: This story was updated Oct.5 at 12 p.m. to include information regarding minimum income requirements for the BC Builds project.
On Oct. 7, Sun Peaks Housing Authority (SPHA) hosted its first open house in partnership with BC Builds. Although SPHA was founded in 2018, this is the first time it has been able to move forward with an actual construction project, something board chair and Coun. Len Hrycan described as a major milestone.
“We really haven’t had the opportunity, mostly for financial reasons, to actually do something with housing,” Hrycan said. “This partnership gives us that chance.”
The project will provide 110 rental units of varying sizes, from studios to three-bedroom homes, aimed primarily at employees living in Sun Peaks and their families. The initiative is supported through the BC Builds program, with funding assistance from BC Housing and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
While final construction costs and rental prices are still being determined, 20 to 30 per cent of the project will be priced 20 per cent below market rate, around approximately 30 units. The remaining units will be listed at market rates to help sustain the mortgage carried by the housing association.
While CMHC does not have the average market rental rate for Sun Peaks specifically, it listed two bedrooms in Kamloops at $1,548 in October, 2024.
“It’s not an affordable housing project in the traditional sense, but rather a rental housing project that incorporates below-market options,” Hrycan explained.
Rental rates will ultimately depend on construction costs and the amount of mortgage needed to support the development, which won’t be finalized until the spring of 2026.
The ambiguity around unit cost brought some concern during the open house, with Sun Peaks resident Sima Solotow sharing that while she’s interested in the units, “affordable can mean so many things.”
“If a two-bedroom ends up being $2500, that’s not affordable to me,” she added.
Other feedback included hopes that the development will focus on full-time community members.
“As someone in my younger years looking to start a family and stay in Sun Peaks, it would be nice to have something affordable and available to us year-round residents, not just for seasonal workers,” resident Teagan Eige said.
The intent is to prioritize employees who live in Sun Peaks, Jesse Abraham, housing manager for SPHA assured.
Applications are not yet open, but information will be available on the SPHA’s website expected next year..
“We’ll open applications at least six months ahead of occupancy,” Abraham added.
Tenants must meet the maximum income limit of $136,210 to qualify for a studio or one bedroom unit and $201,030 for a two bedroom unit, as per BC Builds regulations.
“There are no strict income minimums to qualify, only maximums,” Abraham explained. “Once the rent rates are established, we may establish guidelines for income minimums, but this has not been decided yet.”
Construction challenges and progress
Construction began in September and the team is working toward a 2027 occupancy date.
“Some key challenges right now are weather-related,” Abraham said. “We’re trying to pour concrete and complete the foundation work before winter conditions set in. We’re on a tight timeline, but the goal is to stay on schedule.”
While the site is located near existing residential areas, community feedback has so far been largely positive.
“We’ve received some questions about the design,” Abraham said. “Otherwise, we haven’t heard many concerns or complaints about construction noise.”
During the open house, some of the residents shared their perspective on the project and what it means for the municipality’s future.
“I think it’s strongly needed,” said Lucie Renwick, property owner and resident of Sun Peaks. “It’s nice to see that the process is transparent and that the community has an opportunity to understand what’s being planned. I’m looking forward to seeing how it goes.”
Looking ahead
The project’s final approval is expected to go before BC Builds’ board on Oct. 15, after which construction will move into its next phase. Once complete, it will stand as the first purpose-built rental housing project in Sun Peaks and many hope it will be a model for how small resort communities can balance tourism growth with sustainable living opportunities for the people who make the community thrive.
Despite anticipation, the road to breaking ground hasn’t been easy. For years, SPHA faced barriers related to funding and land access.
“You can have all the greatest ideas in the world, but if there isn’t cash available to actually build, then you don’t get to put boots on the ground,” Hrycan said. “Municipalities can’t afford to build housing without provincial or federal partnerships.”
The BC Builds opportunity, he added, offers the first realistic avenue for moving forward.
The project will also allow the housing authority to generate future equity that could support new initiatives, such as below-market home ownership opportunities for local residents.
What did you think of this story?
Sun Peaks Independent News is your essential source for community news in Sun Peaks. Your feedback after we publish a story helps ensure we're always improving our reporting to better serve you.
