By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
Oliver’s housing for healthcare workers broke ground yesterday with officials digging in their ceremonial shovels for this much anticipated project which is due for completion in March 2026.
“I am honoured to be here today on behalf of the Town of Oliver to break ground on the Housing for Healthcare Workers site,” said the key driver behind the initiative, Oliver Mayor Martin Johansen.
“This initiative is a way to strengthen access to quality healthcare, reduce staffing shortages, and foster long-term partnerships with providers,” he said.
“The Town along with our supporters see this as an investment in health and well-being—creating a sustainable solution that improves care for residents and enhances our ability to attract and retain essential healthcare services.
The new modular housing, located next to Sunnybank Retirement Centre, will be a much-needed addition for visiting healthcare workers who are either working temporarily at the South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver or are moving here and are in need of transitional housing, Johansen said.
“It will ensure that medical professionals have a comfortable, convenient place to stay while serving our communities.”
The units, being constructed by Chaparral Industries, will have two bedrooms each, and will be ready for occupation in March 2026. The total project cost is $515,000 which is part of the earlier announced SOS Medical Foundation’s $2 million fundraising campaign for the South Okanagan General Hospital (SOGH).
Johansen thanked the partners that made the project possible including, support from the Province of British Columbia, Fortis BC, South Okanagan Similkameen (SOS) Medical Foundation, Interior Health, Regional District of the Okanagan-Similkameen and the Okanagan-Similkameen Regional Hospital District. He also thanked the Osoyoos Indian Band for their support and endorsement of this project.
