Modular housing that once provided athletes with accommodations during the 2010 Olympic Games have been relocated and converted into 36 new supportive rental apartments in Saanich.

The Olympic Vista Apartments is a partnership between the Province and the Capital Regional District (CRD) to provide new affordable, supportive housing to help individuals on the Island who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Supportive housing connects individuals with services and supports they need to stabilize and regain their independence.

The Province provided a grant of approximately $7.2 million and is also providing $505,970 in annual operational funding. The CRD provided the land valued at $1.15 million.

The three-storey development, located at 3806 Carey Rd. in Saanich, is operated and managed by the Victoria Cool Aid Society (Cool Aid), which will also provide the onsite support services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Cool Aid has provided the Capital Region with supported housing, integrated health care, emergency shelter and employment services since 1968.

In total, 320 temporary modular housing units from the Olympic and Paralympic Village at Whistler are being converted into 156 permanent, affordable apartments in six communities: Saanich, Chilliwack, Enderby, Sechelt, Surrey and Chetwynd.

Quick Facts:

• In Saanich, the provincial government has invested over $10 million this year to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 2,331 low-income individuals, seniors and families.
• Olympic Vista Apartments is part of a larger proposal put forth by the CRD for the former Mount View School site, which also includes a residential care home and affordable housing development for seniors, 14 three-storey affordable townhouses for families, a mixed-use market development and public open space.
• In the 10 years since 2001, the government has committed to creating nearly 21,400 new units of housing. Of those, 16,326 have been completed, 3,450 are in development/under construction, and an additional 1,615 units have funding committed.
• Approximately 5,400 supportive housing units exist now in B.C., compared to 1,300 units in 2001.

Learn More:

To learn more about programs and services offered by the Victoria Cool Aid Society, please visit: www.coolaid.org

Media contacts:

Communications
Minister Responsible for Housing
250 952-0628

Andy Orr
Capital Regional District
250 360-3229