The governments of Canada and British Columbia gathered to celebrate the official opening of an 18-unit rental building, which provides housing for low-income individuals with mental health challenges in Vancouver.

"Repairing rental properties not only helps to build strong and healthy communities but most importantly, it improves the quality of life for residents," said the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) and Member of Parliament for Richmond, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). "Our Government is committed to giving a hand-up to those in need by providing safe, affordable housing that meets their needs."

"These new apartments will provide safe, affordable housing for adults living with mental health challenges," said Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid, MLA for Vancouver-Fairview. "This project is part of our government's ongoing commitment to develop affordable housing options with integrated supports to create homes that make a real difference in people's lives."

The apartment building, located in the Grandview Woodlands neighbourhood of Vancouver, is owned, operated and managed by Coast Mental Health who purchased the building in 2009. The building required extensive upgrades and renovations including re-plumbing, repairs to water damage, electrical upgrades, exterior repairs and roof replacement.

The Government of Canada provided over $800,000 for this project through the Rental Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) and $500,000 through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS). The Province of British Columbia provided over $1 million in interim financing through the Community Partnerships Initiative to assist in the purchase of the apartment building. The City of Vancouver provided a Social Development and Housing Grant of $150,000 and Coast Mental Health provided equity of approximately $700,000.

"There are many individuals in Vancouver living with mental illness," said Mayor Gregor Robertson, City of Vancouver. "And some of these individuals need support to ensure that they have a safe, affordable place to call home. This project demonstrates that when government and community partners come together, we can collectively improve the housing and quality of life for vulnerable members of our community."

"Coast Mental Health has always been committed to supporting and improving the lives of people facing mental illness," said Darrell Burnham, executive director, Coast Mental Health. "This newly renovated building provides us with one more place that we can offer as a home to our clients in order to help them live safe, stable lives."

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has been Canada's national housing agency for more than 65 years. CMHC is committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of quality, affordable homes, while making vibrant, healthy communities and cities a reality across the country.

In 2008, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. As part of this investment, the Affordable Housing Initiative and the federal renovation programs for low-income households were extended for two years, which represented some $60 million in federal funding for B.C.

As part of the Government of Canada's five-year commitment in housing and homelessness, the Government has renewed the HPS at the current funding level of $134.8 million per year, for the next three years, until March 2014. The HPS is a unique community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness by providing direct support and funding to more than 60 communities across Canada.

Canada's Economic Action Plan built on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years 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 July 25, 2011 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 for British Columbians in housing need.

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

For more information on the HPS, please visit: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness

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

Rhonda Nguyen
BC Housing
604 439-4740

Corporate Communications
City of Vancouver
Media Line
604 871-6336

Alyson Queen
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819 994-2482 

BACKGROUNDER

Aug. 30, 2011 Ministry of Energy and Mines

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

City of Vancouver

Coast Mental Health rental building

Coast Mental Health completed renovations of an 18-unit apartment building located at 618 Commercial Drive in Vancouver in order to provide affordable rental housing for clients with mental health challenges.

Renovations included health and safety upgrades to the roof, heating system, improved ventilation, fire-safety and electrical upgrades, rainscreening and window replacement. Units were also modified to enhance accessibility for persons with disabilities and included bathroom and kitchen modifications, non-slip flooring throughout the building and an interior chairlift.

Coast Mental Health was created in 1972 in response to the growing need for services in the community for people recovering from a serious mental illness. Since its inception Coast has not only focused on services but has also placed emphasis on participants being members of Coast who have a role in determining priorities and how services are provided. Coast's mission adopts the concept of community as the foundation of what Coast does.

Partners and Funding:

The total capital cost of this development was approximately $2.9 million:

• The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) provided a total of $806,651 through the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP). This includes $360,000 in Rental RRAP, $374,651 in RRAP for Persons with Disabilities, and $72,000 in RRAP for Conversions.
• The Government of Canada, through Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) provided $500,000 through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy.
• The Province provided $1,000,025 in interim financing through the Community Partnerships Initiative to assist in the purchase of the apartment building.
• The City of Vancouver provided a Social Development and Housing Grant of $150,000.
• Coast Mental Health provided approximately $700,000 in equity.

Media contacts:

Andrea Scott
CMHC Communications
604 737-4064

Rhonda Nguyen
BC Housing
604 439-4740

Corporate Communications
City of Vancouver
Media Line
604 871-6336

Alyson Queen
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819 994-2482