Housing project at former Northbridge Hotel site to have 90 units; still pending provincial approval and funding

KAMLOOPS — Further details were unveiled Friday (Sept. 6) of what type of housing could be built at the site of the former Northrbidge Hotel, pending approval from the province.

In a news release, the City of Kamloops says the selected proposal for a 90-unit, six-storey development at 377 Tranquille Rd. will include a blend of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units. The design also includes 7,600 square feet of ground floor commercial space and 23 off-site parking stalls at 320 Tranquille Rd.

The city has been working to identify redevelopment options that would include an affordability component.

In May, Kamloops council approved the use of the former Northbridge Hotel site as a potential BC Builds site, subject to the transfer of the property to the Kamloops Community Land Trust Foundation. The property was acquired for $7.1 million by the City of Kamloops in 2021.

Under the BC Builds program, 20 per cent of the units must be rented at 20 per cent below the market rent for a minimum of 35 years, meaning 18 units will be below-market units. BC Builds is a provincial program that matches landowners with developers and provides viable projects with below-market financing and grants to lower the cost of construction.

The estimated time of occupancy of the building is fall 2026, but the city notes the project is still subject to final review and funding approval by the B.C. government.