ARPA Investments (ARPA) has always been committed to building communities through innovative design and quality construction that brings neighbourhoods to life. Through collaboration with the Kamloops Community Land Trust Foundation, a non-profit aimed at providing and preserving local attainable housing, and the BC Builds Housing Opportunities Program (BC Builds), ARPA will be taking the lead as the developer of a new apartment building to be constructed on the former site of the Northbridge Hotel. This is yet another step to create attainable housing on the North Shore and further revitalize the Tranquille Corridor.
The property, located at 377 Tranquille Road, was demolished in early 2024 after being purchased by the City of Kamloops three years ago, and the lot has been vacant ever since. As the chosen developer, ARPA will oversee all aspects of design and construction of the project.
Joshua Knaak, one of the partners of ARPA, is looking forward to being part of this revitalization, with construction expected to begin in the next seven-to-ten months.
“The plan right now is to put up 90 residential units in six storeys, with commercial space on the main floor,” he shared. “And that fits into the BC Builds mandate to create housing for middle income families. We’ll actually see some three-bedroom units as well, which is something you typically don’t see in a condo setting. This will be great for families and we are proud to be a part of it.”
The proposed building includes 7,600 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and 23 off-site parking stalls at 320 Tranquille Road. This will include a blend of studio, one, two and three-bedroom units, with the final tally to be determined as design work is ongoing. As per the BC Builds program, 20 per cent of the units must be rented at 20 per cent below market value for a minimum of 35 years, meaning 18 of the units will be rented below-market value.
“There are three-hundred-eleven units of housing under construction with another three hundred in the works that I’m aware of, all along the Tranquille corridor. I think we’re going to continue to see a huge revitalization here,” added Knaak.
While the Provincial government still needs to conduct a final review of the proposal and approve funding for it, the goal is to have occupancy by Fall 2026.
In addition to this project, ARPA recently acquired the property at 142 Tranquille Road, which will be leased to BC Housing for a 20-month period to facilitate the operation of a 44-bed emergency shelter and Community Access Hub on the North Shore.
With approval from Kamloops’ City Council last month, the shelter will be operated by ASK Wellness and is set to include various supports and services for people through collaboration with multiple community groups. Although there is no set timeline for the shelter’s opening, it is expected to begin operations by December 2024.
These collaborations exemplify ARPA’s dedication to helping build communities and provide much needed support services and attainable housing on the North Shore, hoping to add to the growth and vibrancy of the neighbourhood in years to come.
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