A third emergency shelter to accommodate those experiencing homelessness is about to open in Kelowna.

David Eby says BC Housing is working towards finding housing for the estimated 200 camp residents, but acknowledged a good portion of that would be "transitional" in nature.

BC Housing purchased the vacant site, located at 3240 Skaha Lake Rd., and the land will be developed into a four-storey building that can house up to 54 units.

The city is considering moving campers into Jericho Hostel and 2400 Motel on a voluntary basis.

“I hope they get this straightened out. I hope so because there are a lot of people in desperate need of this housing.”

The conditional approval is based on requirements that there must be “appropriate” staffing and security on-site 24 hours a day and communication with neighbours.

"Very sad, worried, anxiety, wondering where I'm going, where I'm going to move to, that's how I’m feeling."

Mayor and council expressed concern about neighbourhood problems associated with the other shelter in town, Compass House, which is also operated by the Penticton and District Society for Community Living (PDSCL).

The estimated annual operating costs for a partially supported 40 tent encampment with 24/7 security and daytime staff seven days a week would be upwards of $2.1 million.

It has been a crucial part of the NDP agenda for the past three years and John Horgan will once again turn the focus to housing on Friday.