ADDICT HOUSING PROJECT NOW OPEN

The Cardington Apartments will have its grand opening today - half
full of residents and empty of any takers for the commercial space below.

The four-storey building at 1436 St. Paul St. was a source of
controversy when it was first announced by the city and Interior
Health. It will house tenants with addiction and mental health issues
and be a bridge for getting homeless people off the street.

Downtown Kelowna business owners campaigned vigorously against the
project, saying it would drive away customers.

The building contains 30 studio apartments, and there is additional
space for in-house support services and programs.

So far, 15 residents have been accepted.

Rhonda Nguyen of B.C. Housing said there is a screening process for
residents of the $6.7-million building and that half the suites have
yet to be filled.

The John Howard Society will be the property manager and landlord,
with Interior Health providing staffing and support services.

The Cardington is still looking for renters for the commercial space,
targeting professional offices or retail.

The grand opening is at 2 p.m.

Cardington, a village in New Bedfordshire, England, was the home of
John Howard.