Housing Proposal FAQ

The District recognizes housing is central to achieving positive outcomes in the lives of families and individuals, and is committed to pursuing a cost-efficient mix of programming to help meet the housing needs of permanent residents, seasonal workers and families.

Based on the Housing Needs Assessment completed in 2021, Sicamous requires at least 260 more units to accommodate projected growth to 2026. Census data shows that rentals and renter households are leaving the community. The latest data shows 19.3 per cent of households are renters.

Housing is a strategic priority for District council (2022-2026 term).

 

 

In July, the District released an expression of interest to attract qualified housing partners to leverage District-owned land (425 Main Street). Not-for-profit and for-profit developers were eligible. The District received four proposals, all from for-profit developers. Two proponents were shortlisted. 

In October, council awarded Expression of Interest #1220-20-148 to Western Canadian Properties Group Ltd (WCPG).

On December 13, representatives from WCPG attended the committee of the whole meeting and presented the schematic proposal which includes a five-story, 55-unit long-term rental housing development with commercial space on the ground floor. Watch the discussion!

The committee supported the WCPG proposal in principle and has directed District staff to work with the developer to determine the conditions of a development agreement.

 

  • Five-story apartment building (46,800 square feet)
  • 55 residential units* 
    • 26 1-bedroom units averaging 575 square feet*
    • 29 2-bedroom units averaging 760 square feet*
  • 3,900 square feet of commercial space
  • 17 single-car garages (available for rent)
  • 83 surface parking spaces (in addition to 17 garages)
  • 30 storage lockers

*The unit mix and makeup have the potential to change during the development process.

View the Schematic Proposal presented on December 13, 2023.

WCPG would register a section 219 covenant on the title of the property to ensure 80 per cent of tenants are income-tested against CMHC’s affordability criteria for middle income. In addition, a section 219 covenant would also ensure the building continually operates as rental housing for 20-25 years.

There will be no direct impact to your property taxes.  

The District is willing to contribute the land (425 Main Street) for a nominal fee to incentivize the development of long-term rental housing in Sicamous.

WCPG has requested incentives to make the project viable. Incentives requested by the developer include:

There has been no formal commitment to the requested incentives. The District and WCPG are moving forward to negotiate the terms and conditions of a development agreement. Once the agreement is drafted it will be presented to council for discussion before formal consideration.