The governments of Canada and British Columbia gathered today to celebrate the official opening of Pioneer Haven, a new $1.5-million affordable seniors housing development providing eight apartments of modular housing for seniors and persons with disabilities.

"Our Government is investing in affordable housing here in 100 Mile House, to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for those who need it most," said Cathy McLeod, MP for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). "These initiatives will help seniors living on low income and persons with disabilities in our community access safe and affordable housing that meets their needs."

"Seniors made our communities what they are today, and continue to be active, engaged members," said Donna Barnett, MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin. "That's why providing safe, affordable housing for seniors to remain in their community, close to friends and family, is an important initiative for our government."

Through an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement, the federal government contributed over $590,000 to support the construction of Pioneer Haven. The Province of British Columbia provided over $867,000 to this project through the Seniors Rental Housing Initiative (SRH) and provided the land valued at over $29,000.

The Seniors' Rental Housing (SRH) initiative is a result of a $365-million joint investment under an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement, which includes funding through Canada's Economic Action Plan and by the Government of British Columbia. This initiative, first announced by the two levels of government on April 8, 2009, includes the provision of $123.5 million, which is comprised of $104 million for seniors and $19.5 million for persons with disabilities, to develop approximately 1,300 new affordable rental housing units, which will help to stimulate local economies in smaller communities across B.C. Under terms of the agreement, the provincial and federal governments are providing matching contributions of $61.79 million each.

Canada's Economic Action Plan built on the Government of Canada's commitment in 2008 of more than $1.9 billion, over five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless. It provides $475 million, over two years, to build new rental housing for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities. Overall, the Economic Action Plan included $2 billion for the construction of new and the renovation of existing social housing, plus $2 billion in low-cost loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

A new agreement signed recently by both orders of government implements B.C.'s allocation of the remaining three years of the $1.9 billion, which amounts to a further $90 million in federal funding to match with $90 million in provincial funding for a total of $180 million for British Columbians in housing need.

The Province of British Columbia's $14-billion capital infrastructure program is creating up to 88,000 jobs, building vital public infrastructure and stimulating local economies across the province.

Over the last decade, the Province has invested $2.8 billion to provide affordable housing for low income individuals, seniors and families. This year, more than 93,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1 800 668-2642 or visit: www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan

To learn more about provincial programs and services to address homelessness, visit: www.bchousing.org

A backgrounder follows.

Media contacts:

Andrea Scott
CMHC Communications
604 737-4064

Michelle Frilund
BC Housing
604 456-8895

Alyson Queen
Office of Minister Finley
819 994-2482

BACKGROUNDER

Aug. 25, 2011 Ministry of Energy and Mines

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Pioneer Haven

Pioneer Haven, located at 350 Aspen Road in 100 Mile House, is an affordable seniors' housing development providing eight apartments of modular housing to seniors and people with disabilities. The apartments are directly managed by BC Housing.

The development consists of two buildings with four apartments each and will be directly managed by BC Housing. This development is co-located on the grounds of the existing 16-unit Pioneer Haven seniors housing building, which is also directly managed by BC Housing.

Modular housing has been used extensively for the Seniors' Rental Housing developments as it allows construction take place in a factory with less dependence on weather conditions. The modular units meet EnerGuide 80 standards, and are designed to be easily accessible for seniors and people with disabilities. This includes room sizes that allow for wheelchair access and manoeuvring, shelves and light switches at an accessible height and bathroom grab bars or step-in showers.

Partners and Funding:

The total capital cost of this development is approximately $1.5 million:

• The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), contributed $594,000 through Canada's Economic Action Plan.
• The Province of British Columbia contributed $867,730 toward this project through the Seniors Rental Initiative.
• The Province also provided the land, valued at $29,580.

Media contacts:

Andrea Scott
CMHC Communications
604 737-4064

Michelle Frilund
BC Housing
604 456-8895 Alyson Queen

Office of Minister Finley
819 994-2482