Supportive housing in downtown Abbotsford nears final approval<\/p>\n
Published 12:08 pm Thursday, February 26, 2026<\/p>\n
A five-storey 48-unit supportive housing building in historic downtown Abbotsford is nearing final approval in Abbotsford.<\/p>\n
The project at the northwest corner of Gladys Avenue and George Ferguson Way came before council on Tuesday (Feb. 24) for the first three readings of a housing agreement and approval in principle of a development permit with variances.<\/p>\n
Council was unanimously in favour of moving the project forward, with final approval to be considered at a later date.<\/p>\n
The proposal is from BC Housing, with the building to be operated by Archway Community Services.<\/p>\n
A staff report to council states that the property is owned by the city, and the project complements the existing Hearthstone supportive-housing building to the north, also operated by Archway.<\/p>\n
The proposal for the new building calls for 48 private units with shared amenities. Archway will select the residents and provide 24\/7 on-site staffing.<\/p>\n
Support services include daily meals, health-care referrals, wellness checks, financial supports to maintain housing, and individual and group programming.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe development is designed as long-term supportive housing, transitioning individuals from shelters into stable housing where needs can be better supported and assessed over time,\u201d states a letter to council from architect Ron Hart.<\/p>\n
The staff report states the Abbotsford Police Department is in support of the project, saying that the Hearthstone facility is \u201cexceptionally well managed, has strong collaboration with police and has not resulted in a significant increase in surrounding criminal activity.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Abbotsford Downtown Business Association (ADBA) sent a letter to council, expressing concerns about the potential impacts on local businesses and the broader community.<\/p>\n
ABDA executive director Ryan Leonhard stated in the latter that the historic downtown has a \u201cconcentration of services, shelters and low-barrier housing (total 170+ units within a five-block radius.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ABDA inquires about the point at which imbalance might occur. Due to the high concentration of services in a small area, the ADBA is concerned that the addition of another supportive housing will negatively affect downtown,\u201d the letter states.<\/p>\n
The organization made several recommendations should the project go ahead, including having a \u201cgood neighbour agreement\u201d in place and regular outreach through a community advisory group.<\/p>\n
The housing agreement between the city and the province for the new building includes that a committee be formed consisting of representatives from BC Housing, the city, adjacent businesses and other possible partners such as police and Fraser Health.<\/p>\n
The committee would meet monthly for the first four months of the building\u2019s operation and then on an as-needed basis or at the request of the city.<\/p>\n
The committee would also be required to let neighbours know where inquiries and concerns can be directed.<\/p>\n
This was one of two supportive-housing proposals that came before council on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
The other one \u2013 for a 42-bed temporary modular building in Martens Park \u2013 was voted down.<\/p>\n