Affordable Housing – Opening 2029
Inviting hope & independence for women & children through safe, supported housing
BC Housing, in partnership with Archway Society for Domestic Peace, and City of Vernon, is planning this 67 unit development that will provide housing for women and children impacted by domestic and sexual violence. This new community is intended to thoughtfully enhance the neighbourhood while providing important next steps towards stability, independence, and healing.
Highlights
- Located at 1701 43 Avenue, Vernon, BC
- Construction begins Spring 2027*
- Approximate opening Summer 2029*
- 67 units
- Mix of single-bedroom & family units
- 5-story building
- Operated & staffed by Archway Society
- On-site support services
- Referrals to community resources
*timelines are estimated and may shift
About the Development
This project would be a 5-storey building with 67 affordable rental apartments including both second-stage housing and long-term subsidized housing. The apartments would range from 1 to 4 bedrooms. We plan to build a range of unit sizes to reflect the diverse needs of families in the community. BC Housing is working to secure a long-term lease with the City to build the development on City owned land.
Each apartment would have bedroom(s), bathroom, kitchen, living space and storage. The building would include indoor amenity and programming spaces as well as outdoor gathering spaces and landscaped areas. Archway Society would also have dedicated office space within the building.
Construction Timeline
BC Housing has submitted a development permit to the City of Vernon. If approved, we plan to start construction in 2027. We would install temporary fencing and clearly mark any work areas for safety. We would follow all local bylaws and share notice in advance about any expected traffic or noise disruptions. We expect the homes to be complete in 2029.
In regards to contractors and construction, this development will be posted in BC Bid in the coming months – please check there for regular updates. If you have any questions regarding the procurement process, please email purchasing@bchousing.org.
About the Operator
Archway Society would operate the building and support the residents. Archway Society has been supporting women, children and families in the region since 1975. Archway Society has experience operating similar housing in Vernon and has built strong relationships in the community.
Archway is proud of the way their housing has quietly made positive contributions to the surrounding community. Archway is excited to expand their services and introduce another thoughtfully designed building into the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are unable to find answers to your questions here or need further information, please contact BC Housing (Development) at communityrelations@bchousing.org or Archway Society (Operations) at engagement@archwaysociety.ca. Someone will be more than happy to assist you.
What is the purpose of this project?
This housing would provide 67 safe and affordable rental apartments for women and children who need safe and affordable housing in Vernon and the North Okanagan. This would include both second-stage housing and long-term subsidized housing.
What is second-stage housing?
Second-stage housing provides short-term accommodation with on-site supports for women and their dependent children who are leaving violence. Staff are available to provide emotional support, safety planning and referrals.
Residents typically live in second-stage housing for 6 to 18 months before moving to more permanent housing.
Second-stage housing is not permanent. Where do people go next?
Once residents are ready to move to permanent housing, Archway Society would assist them in applying for and accessing social and/or private market housing (potentially with the help of a rent supplement).
What is long-term subsidized housing for women?
Long-term subsidized housing provides rental housing to women, gender-diverse people and their children who are at risk of violence or experienced violence.
What type of support would be provided to residents?
Typical supports for second-stage and long-term housing residents include:
- Emotional supports like counselling
- Connections to employment and education opportunities
- Practical life skills such as budgeting and household planning
- Legal information and advocacy support
- Help accessing income supports and other community services
How does a person access these types of housing?
Archway Society would manage housing applications and select the residents.
Residents must be able to live independently and agree to clear housing expectations. Decisions would be made thoughtfully, considering safety, available resources, and the well-being of all residents.
All residents would sign housing-related agreements and pay a program fee.
Would this housing be for local women and children in Vernon?
Yes. Archway Society would prioritize women, with or without dependent children, from Vernon and the North Okanagan.
Residents would be families and individuals who value having a safe, peaceful place to call home. Many go to work, walk their children to school, volunteer, and build positive connections in their neighbourhoods much like residents in any other apartment building.
Would this affect neighbourhood safety?
Experience from similar housing across the province shows that these buildings are typically quiet, family-oriented, and well-integrated into their neighbourhoods.
This would be a professionally managed residential building with added supports. Staff would be present during the day and available on call after hours.
Archway Society has established procedures for responding to concerns and works proactively to maintain a calm, well-functioning living environment for residents and neighbourhoods alike.
Archway Society would work closely with community partners and emergency services if and when needed to support safety and well-being for residents and the surrounding neighbourhood.
Would there be common spaces for residents on site?
The housing would offer shared indoor gathering spaces. There would also be outdoor gathering spaces within the fully fenced site.
What would the office space at this site be used for?
Archway Society staff would use the office space for meetings, programming, and administration.
How would people and vehicles access the housing site?
Vehicle and pedestrian access would be from 43 Avenue. Entry to the building would be controlled to support resident safety and privacy.
Would there be enough parking for staff and residents on site?
Parking is being planning based on similar housing developments across the province. Many residents would not own vehicles. If parking needs chance, BC Housing and Archway would work with the City of Vernon to explore situations.
Would this be a safe consumption site?
No, this would not be a safe consumption site.
What if neighbours have questions or concerns once the housing opens?
Staff would be on site throughout the day to support residents and provide a point of contact for neighbours.
BC Housing and Archway Society are committed to answering questions and concerns quickly and collaboratively.
For questions about the development process, please email BC Housing
communityrelations@bchousing.org
For questions about the housing program and operations, please email Archway Society
engagement@archwaysociety.ca
Are you accepting applications/bids on construction or from contractors?
This development will be posted in BC Bid in the coming months – please check there for regular updates. If you have any questions regarding the procurement process, please email purchasing@bchousing.org.
Archway Client Testimonials
“With stable, supportive housing, I was free to explore healing in many forms—equine therapy, art therapy, hiking, and time in nature. I was also given something I hadn’t had in a long time: space for myself, and the chance to find my own inner peace.”
——
“Families in supportive housing are survivors of profound trauma who are working hard to rebuild their lives. Supportive housing offers them a chance to heal and re-establish stability. These women and children are seeking safety, community, and peace—and they are wholly deserving of dignity, understanding, and the opportunity to thrive.”
——
“While living here, I was graciously given the time and space to heal and to understand when I was ready to step back into everyday life after immense trauma. That time made it possible for me to start a small business—one I still run today and feel incredibly proud of.”
——
“Home, to me now, isn’t defined by where I was raised or where my relatives reside. It’s defined by safety and connection. It’s the simple but powerful comforts of running water, heat, a kitchen, and a door that locks at night. It’s the security of knowing you are protected. Home has become a sacred space—a place where healing happens, where you can find yourself again, and where purpose begins to take root.”
Questions?
We are committed to open communication and working collaboratively with the surrounding community as this project moves forward.
For questions about the development process, please email BC Housing
communityrelations@bchousing.org
For questions about the housing program and operations, please email or call Archway Society
engagement@archwaysociety.ca
Ph: 250-558-3850
We acknowledge that our workplace is within the northern part of the unceded Okanagan First Nation Territory and that many descendants of the Suqnaquinx (Suk‑anok‑can) still live here.
Transition
House
HELP IS AVAILABLE 24/7 INCLUDING HOLIDAYS
250-542-1122