A year and a half ago, many families and individuals in Kelowna, B.C., lost their homes. The Hadgraft-Wilson Place, an affordable housing complex near downtown Kelowna, was damaged and declared unsafe. Now, residents have learned they will not return to that building. Instead, a new building will be constructed to provide affordable housing, with UBC-Okanagan taking responsibility to replace it.
In April 2024, residents of Hadgraft-Wilson Place, many of whom were low-income families and individuals with disabilities, were forced to leave their homes. Cracks began appearing in the building shortly after construction began on UBC’s downtown campus nearby. Inspectors later declared the structure unsafe, and residents had to evacuate immediately.
One of those affected was Megan Beckmann, a single mother of three children. She shared her shock upon learning that a new building would be constructed elsewhere. “I was a little caught off-guard to hear that there was a new building intended for Wilson-Hadgraft Place and Pathways,” she said. Like many others, Beckmann’s family had considered their home at Hadgraft-Wilson Place to be permanent. The sudden displacement brought a lot of stress and uncertainty.
After months of discussions between different organizations, a committee was formed to resolve the situation. The committee includes UBC Properties Trust, the City of Kelowna, and Pathways Abilities Society, the operator of the building. They have now agreed that UBC will build a new housing complex for the displaced families.
Lesley Cormack, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at UBC-Okanagan, explained the university’s stance. “We have legal obligations to the community, but we also have ethical responsibilities,” she said. “We are very sorry for what happened at Hadgraft-Wilson Place, and we want to create a new space where residents can live safely.”
The new building will be constructed near Capri Mall on land purchased by UBC. Once the new building is ready, there will be a land swap between the city and the university. UBC will take over the old Hadgraft-Wilson property, while the new site will belong to the city.
The demolition of the existing structures on the new site will begin in October, and construction is expected to finish about two years later.
One important question is whether the displaced families will be able to move back into the new building. Pathways Abilities Society says they cannot promise that the former residents will automatically receive priority. Residents will need to apply again and meet B.C. housing guidelines for affordability.
Alan Clay, Executive Director at Pathways, admitted that the situation has caused pain and suffering. “We had tenants that thought their homes were forever homes. There has been a lot of disruption and hardship,” he said. “That’s why we are focusing on finding a positive solution.”
However, some residents, like Megan Beckmann, feel that asking them to re-apply is unfair. “Just because of the damage that we have suffered already, our people deserve more,” she said. Many feel that being forced to go through the application process again ignores the hardships they have already faced.
For families like Beckmann’s, losing their home was a traumatic experience. Moving to temporary shelters or renting in uncertain conditions has been difficult, especially for those with children and disabilities. Many have spent months trying to find stable housing while waiting for news about the future.
The announcement that the old building will not be rebuilt in its original location has left many feeling uncertain about their future. Even though a new building is planned, the requirement to meet new housing guidelines and go through the application process adds to their stress.
UBC’s commitment to building a new housing complex goes beyond legal obligations. The university has recognized that it plays an important role in the community. “We want to be responsible not just legally but morally,” said Lesley Cormack.
The situation has shown how institutions need to consider the impact of their actions on vulnerable groups, such as low-income families and people with disabilities. Providing safe and affordable housing is not just a matter of construction—it’s a commitment to the dignity and well-being of residents.
The decision to build a new housing complex is a step in the right direction, but many believe that more needs to be done. There is hope that displaced families will be able to secure a place in the new building, but nothing has been promised yet.
The rebuilding project will take time, and for many families, the future still feels uncertain. Questions remain about how the housing guidelines will be applied and how the community will support the families in the long term.
Despite these challenges, the effort to rebuild shows that community partnerships between government bodies, universities, and nonprofit organizations can lead to meaningful action.
The story of Hadgraft-Wilson Place highlights the difficulties faced by low-income families when structural failures disrupt their lives. UBC-Okanagan’s decision to replace the building with a new housing complex is a sign of ethical responsibility and community support. While the road ahead may be long and uncertain, it is a reminder that communities must work together to protect the most vulnerable among them.
For families like Megan Beckmann’s, the hope is that rebuilding efforts will bring stability and dignity back into their lives. Whether they will be able to return home or need to start over remains to be seen—but the commitment to create a better future is clear.
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