A $180-million funding agreement between the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia will help create more affordable housing options for B.C. residents and continue to reduce the number of households in housing need.

The governments of Canada and British Columbia, along with community partners, gathered to celebrate the official re-opening of the newly renovated and rejuvenated Circle of Eagles Lodge, a 17-bed, supportive transitional housing development in Vancouver.

The Stanley/New Fountain shelter in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, received a funding extension of just over $1 million to remain open for another year while more supportive housing is built.

The largest supportive housing development to be built under a partnership between the Province, the City of Vancouver and Streetohome Foundation is starting construction in Vancouver.

A development that will offer affordable housing for Aboriginal foster families, youth transitioning out of foster care and low-income families has started construction in Vancouver.

The Province's strategy to reduce homelessness and connect people with more housing options is having a positive impact, including a reduction in Vancouver to 145 street homeless from 815 - an 82-per-cent decline - according to results from the Metro Vancouver 2011 Homeless Count released today.

BC Hydro will immediately begin to relocate 16 hydro poles that currently present a public safety risk at the South Cariboo Regional Airport at 108 Mile.