Shiny Shovels in the Sunshine!

Friday, Jan 28, 2022 was "Sod Turning Day" for the Society of Hope's newest project – Capstone. The brief ceremony featured 3 speakers: The Society's Board President, Philip Lambert, Mayor Colin Basran, and BC Housing/Province of BC representative: Kelly Miller – Associate Vice President of Operations for BC Housing. Luke Stack, The Society's Executive Director, officiated.

The Capstone project began in 1996 with donation of a large piece of land by Gordon & Helen Ziglar. The purpose of this donation was to have "Active living and housing for seniors." This land was eventually sold, (Landmark square) and a 9 acre farm owned by Lloyd & Nan Petitt was purchased.   2175 Benvoulin Road is the current location of the Capstone property; spread out between Benvoulin Road, Benvoulin Court, and Mayer Road. This will be the biggest project The Society has built. This building will have 9 stories, and include 122 suites. The mix of one and two bedroom units will provide rental housing for moderate to low income individuals, small families, seniors and people with disabilities.

This project is made possible through a partnership between the Government of British Columbia, the National Society of Hope, the City of Kelowna, and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. The City of Kelowna has provided at $300,000.00 grant as well as a ten year tax reduction for this project." As well, "70% of the units in this building will have rents set at 30% of a person's income. This means these units will be truly affordable."

Scuka Construction is the builder, and we can look forward to the Grand Opening in about 2 yrs.

"It has taken 26 years to get to this Capstone Sod Turning today."