PO Box 676, Sechelt, British Columbia, Canada, V0N 3A0
Arrowhead's clubhouse is moving into new, much needed and improved facilites
Description and Summary of the Project
In May 2006, the federal government transferred ownership of the old RCMP detachment site to the District of Sechelt as part of the "surplus federal property for Homelessness Initiative" on condition that the site would be developed to provide at least three (3) units of housing for individuals with a severe and persistent mental illness and a history of homelessness and space for Arrowhead Centre Society to operate a clubhouse for this target population for at least five (5) years.
In May 2006, the federal government transferred ownership of the old RCMP detachment site to the District of Sechelt as part of the "surplus federal property for Homelessness Initiative" on condition that the site would be developed to provide at least three (3) units of housing for individuals with a severe and persistent mental illness and a history of homelessness and space for Arrowhead Centre Society to operate a clubhouse for this target population for at least five (5) years.
During 2007 and, 2008 a project development Team comprised of District of Sechelt, Arrowhead Centre Society and Vancouver Coastal Health, Sunshine Coast Mental Health and Addictions Services, Coast Housing, and Sunshine Coast Affordable Housing Taskforce worked together to design the housing and supportive services program. This team also secured $100,000 in grant funding from BC Gaming and $100,000 in matching resources from Construction Aggregates for renovations of the amenity space. This team also obtained Project Development Funding in the amount of $41,000 from BC Housing and utilized these resources to assess viability of the project and prepare for the housing design and renovation plans, rezoning, development and building permits.
In June 2008, the team invited Sunshine Coast Community Services Society to serve as lead sponsor for the project. This decision was based upon awareness that Sunshine Coast Community Services Society has considerable experience in the development and management of supportive housing programs for vulnerable populations.
In June 2008, the team invited Sunshine Coast Community Services Society to serve as lead sponsor for the project. This decision was based upon awareness that Sunshine Coast Community Services Society has considerable experience in the development and management of supportive housing programs for vulnerable populations.
Need for the Project: The Sechelt Legacy Housing Project addresses a need on the Sunshine Coast for access to supportive housing for individuals with a severe and persistent mental illness and a history of homelessness. A recent survey conducted by the Sunshine Coast Branch of the BC Schizophrenia Society indicated that 71% of the area's homeless population (170 out of 240) suffers from a mental illness. This percentage is consistent with national research which indicates that people with mental illness makes up the majority (60-75%) of the chronically homeless in Canada. Staff of Vancouver Coastal Health's Sunshine Coast Mental Health and Addictions Services is aware of at least 35 cases of clients who are living in extremely substandard accommodations. The type of conditions range from individuals living in dwellings not designed for permanent housing such as
sheds, garages or small trailers that lack basic amenities such as heating or running water to those who "solve" their accommodation problem by "couch surfing" from one place to another.
Part of the challenge is that there are very few housing options for vulnerable populations on the Sunshine Coast. Average personal after tax income ($27,214) is lower than the BC average. ($22,785) Average house prices on the coast are 7%higher than the BC average. Market rent for even a modest one bedroom in-law suite is $750. These units are in high demand and many property owners are reluctant to rent to individuals with mental illness due a belief that they may present management difficulties. Social housing offers vulnerable populations both stability and affordability, however as of June 2008 there were only 22 supportive housing units assigned to tenants with mental illness and/or addictions. In BC Stats Municipal Population Estimates the Sunshine Coast was identified as the 2nd fastest growing regional district in BC for the period July 2006 - July 2007, a trend that is likely to make it even more difficult for vulnerable populations to access adequate accommodations.
sheds, garages or small trailers that lack basic amenities such as heating or running water to those who "solve" their accommodation problem by "couch surfing" from one place to another.
Part of the challenge is that there are very few housing options for vulnerable populations on the Sunshine Coast. Average personal after tax income ($27,214) is lower than the BC average. ($22,785) Average house prices on the coast are 7%higher than the BC average. Market rent for even a modest one bedroom in-law suite is $750. These units are in high demand and many property owners are reluctant to rent to individuals with mental illness due a belief that they may present management difficulties. Social housing offers vulnerable populations both stability and affordability, however as of June 2008 there were only 22 supportive housing units assigned to tenants with mental illness and/or addictions. In BC Stats Municipal Population Estimates the Sunshine Coast was identified as the 2nd fastest growing regional district in BC for the period July 2006 - July 2007, a trend that is likely to make it even more difficult for vulnerable populations to access adequate accommodations.
Project Site: The project site is located on the comer of Dolphin St and Inlet Avenue in the Downtown area of Sechelt, just off the main route (Highway 101). Bus service is available on Dolphin St. The site consists of two lots totaling an area of 1,777 m2 (19,100 sft). It is bordered by a quiet lane on the east (Periwinkle Lane), a road on the north (Dolphin Street), and another road on the west (Inlet Avenue), and backs onto an existing commercial building to the south. The former RCMP Detachment building is located centrally on the site.
Both the east (Periwinkle Lane) and west (Inlet Avenue) sides of the site have been considered as possible locations for the Legacy Project housing units. However, the width of the housing units (27 ft)
means that they cannot be accommodated without reducing the footprint of the existing building. In
consultation with BC Housing Project architects and careful consideration of the options, the project
team has determined that the preferred location of the housing units will be along Periwinkle Lane. ln
addition to the usual site preparation tasks, this location would necessitate:
* Removal of an existing trailer
* Creation of an addition to the existing building to compensate for lost square footage.
*Relocation of power lines and pole (funded though site development budget)
* Other servicing requirements including sewer connection, water connection, landscaping, road improvements (funded though site development budget)
Both the east (Periwinkle Lane) and west (Inlet Avenue) sides of the site have been considered as possible locations for the Legacy Project housing units. However, the width of the housing units (27 ft)
means that they cannot be accommodated without reducing the footprint of the existing building. In
consultation with BC Housing Project architects and careful consideration of the options, the project
team has determined that the preferred location of the housing units will be along Periwinkle Lane. ln
addition to the usual site preparation tasks, this location would necessitate:
* Removal of an existing trailer
* Creation of an addition to the existing building to compensate for lost square footage.
*Relocation of power lines and pole (funded though site development budget)
* Other servicing requirements including sewer connection, water connection, landscaping, road improvements (funded though site development budget)
Arrowhead's Partners in the Dolphin Street Project
Arrowhead Centre Society's Dolphin Street Project Partners
Sunshine Coast Mental Health & Addiction Services
Vancouver Coastal Health
Sunshine Coast Community Services
The District of Sechelt
The B.C. Gaming Commission
Central Mortgage and Housing
The B.C. Government - VANOC
The Real Estate Foundation of B.C.
B.C. Housing
Capilano University
Wakefield Homebuilders
Spani Development Ltd
Hamilton Construction Ltd.
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