Camas Gardens is helping to change the lives of people in Victoria who are homeless or at risk of homelessness by providing 44 new apartments of supportive housing.

"Our government is proud to have been a partner in the development of this project - one that will have a lasting impact on this community," said the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). "The opening of Camas Gardens means that more people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, will have a safe, supportive place to live, and also be able to receive the support they need to begin a new chapter in their lives"

"Together with our partners, our government has made a commitment to helping reduce homelessness in our province," said Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development and MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head. "For those struggling with addiction, mental health and other life challenges, Camas Gardens is more than a safe place to call home - it's access to the support they need to rebuild their lives."

Through an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Initiative, the federal government contributed approximately $3.3 million to support the construction of Camas Gardens. The Province of British Columbia provided a $6.6 million grant and will provide over $400,000 in annual operating funding. The City of Victoria waived fees and development cost charges valued at $236,681

"For many municipalities in B.C., homelessness is a very serious concern - and certainly, Victoria is no exception," said Mayor Dean Fortin, City of Victoria. "Camas Gardens is a prime example of how when all levels of government and partners come together we can address homelessness in our community and make a very real difference for some of our most vulnerable citizens."

Located at 950 Humboldt St. in Victoria, Camas Gardens is the second of three supportive housing sites to open under an agreement between the Province and the City of Victoria to create over 170 new or upgraded units of housing. It will be managed and operated by Pacifica Housing Advisory Association.

"We are so thankful to all of the partners who have helped make Camas Gardens a reality," said Karyn French, executive director, Pacifica Housing Advisory Association. "Together, we are providing more than just a building or a place to live. We are providing people in need with a home, a supportive community and a future."

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. 'Canada's Economic Action Plan' builds 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.

For B.C., this represents a further $150 million. The action plan also provided $2 billion in low-cost loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

A new agreement signed recently by both orders of government confirms 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. With the provincial contribution of $90 million in matching funds, there is a combined investment of $180 million to support housing programs and services that help B.C. residents access safe, affordable housing.

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

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 this and other measures in 'Canada's Economic Action Plan', visit: www.actionplan.gc.ca

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 95,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services. To find out more, visit: www.bchousing.org

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

A backgrounder follows.

Media Contacts:

Andrea Scott
Media Relations, CMHC
BC Region
604 737-4064
604 240-1457

Michelle Frilund
BC Housing
604 456-8895
604 318-4419 (cell)

Bridget Frewer
City of Victoria
250 361 0545

Alyson Queen
Office of Minister Finley
819 994-2482

BACKGROUNDER

Camas Gardens

Camas Gardens is a three-storey building that includes 44 self-contained bachelor and one-bedroom supportive housing apartments for individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, including individuals who may be facing challenges such as mental health or addiction. The operating funding provided by the Province will ensure two support staff are onsite at the facility 24/7 to provide the necessary support and assistance to residents.

The development also contains parking for 24 bicycles, common amenity space, a communal kitchen, program and office space as well as a courtyard where residents may socialize. Camas Gardens has been designed to achieve a LEED Gold certification.

Partners and Funding:

The total capital cost of this development is approximately $10.1 million.

• Through an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Initiative, the Government of Canada provided $3,267,000.
• The Province of British Columbia invested $6,628,352.
• The City of Victoria waived fees and development cost charges valued at $236,681.

Operational Funding:

• The Province will provide annual operating subsidy of $415,161.

About Pacifica Housing

Pacifica Housing Advisory Association (Pacifica Housing) is a non-profit charitable organization, incorporated in 1988. Pacifica Housing operates 30 complexes in Victoria and Nanaimo that provide affordable housing for low-income families and people with disabilities as well as supported housing for people who are chronically homeless and/or at risk of becoming homeless. Pacifica Housing further provides advocacy and referral services for those who need it through the Downtown Outreach Services (DOS) office.

Media Contacts:

Andrea Scott
Media Relations CMHC
BC Region
604 737-4064
604 240-1457

Michelle Frilund
BC Housing
604 456-8895
604 318-4419 (cell)

Bridget Frewer
City of Victoria
250 361 0545

Alyson Queen
Office of Minister Finley
819 994-2482