More people in the Lower Mainland will continue living in affordable homes and be protected from housing speculators and profiteers, thanks to the purchase of 147 units in three properties through the Rental Protection Fund.

Families and seniors in Vancouver will soon have access to 146 new affordable rental homes as construction begins on Sunrise Village on the corner of Venables and Renfrew streets.

Provincial legislation to fix outdated zoning rules and create more small-scale multi-unit homes (row homes, triplexes and townhouses) has now been adopted into local bylaws, or will soon be adopted, by almost 90% of communities throughout B.C., paving the way for more housing options for people with middle incomes.

The Province is taking action to keep rents affordable for people with a low income in the Downtown Eastside (DTES), preventing as many as 1,000 people from losing their homes.

A new provincial funding commitment of $61 million will support local governments building capacity to meet new housing-density initiatives, including the implementation of anticipated changes to development approval processes, planning and zoning, such as small-scale multi-unit housing.