Premier Christy Clark today announced the Province will contribute $6.7 million to build 30 new housing units at 8th Avenue and Vine Street in Vancouver that will offer seniors and people with physical disabilities a safe, accessible and affordable place to call home.

"For a senior or someone with special needs, the security of a comfortable home and a welcoming community are key components to a healthy and happy lifestyle," said Premier Christy Clark. "We want to help people live independently and remain in the communities they helped build and where they have put down roots."

The government will provide a Provincial Infrastructure Grant of $4.5 million through the Seniors' Rental Housing initiative, as well as the land valued at $2.2 million for 20 apartments for independent single seniors and 10 apartments for people with physical disabilities. The City of Vancouver will waive development cost charges estimated at $244,000.

"Seniors are an important part of our community and it is crucial that we recognize their housing needs at a time when affordability is a major issue in our city," said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. "These 30 new units represent an important addition to the housing stock in Vancouver and will offer seniors a new place to call home where they can continue to live independently."

The project site, located at 2304 West 8th Avenue in Vancouver, will be a four-storey wood frame building with one level of underground parking. The building will provide 30 apartments, including 10 wheelchair-accessible apartments designed for people with physical disabilities. A seniors' resource centre will also be provided at this development and will be operated by Kits Neighbourhood House Association (KNHA). KNHA will also manage and operate the building in partnership with BC Paraplegic Association.

"This project will meet the housing needs of seniors well into the future," said Catherine Leach, executive director, Kits Neighbourhood House. "We are also looking forward to the opening of the onsite seniors' resource centre which will provide one stop access to resources and information for seniors living in the community as well as for the tenants at 8th and Vine. We believe that this project is an invaluable contribution to this community, providing opportunities for seniors to age within their community close to the friends, and services they have been accessing for decades."

"Access to accessible accommodation has been a top priority for British Columbians with spinal cord injury and related physical disabilities since the day the BC PA began providing services 54 years ago," said Chris McBride, executive director, BC Paraplegic Association. "Our partnership with the Province and Kits Neighbourhood House will allow us to provide 10 comfortable homes that are specifically designed to meet the needs of people with physical disabilities."

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

Kits Neighbourhood House

Established in 1894, Kits Neighbourhood House is a non-profit registered charitable organization providing programs and services for people of all ages on the Westside of Vancouver from Granville Street to UBC, from Musqueam to Cornwall Street. Services are funded in part by donations received from the Westside community and through government foundations and local business. The organization works towards improving the quality of both community and family life. Programs and services are designed to reach all age groups in a diverse population that is inclusive and reflective of the many different life experiences of the neighbours in any one community.

BC Paraplegic Association

Since 1957, the BC Paraplegic Association (BCPA) has been a vital link to the community and to successful independent living for thousands of people with spinal cord injuries and related physical disabilities. BCPA helps people with spinal cord injury and their families adjust, adapt and thrive by providing answers, information and community experiences throughout British Columbia. Peer Support and Information Services form the core of BCPA's time-tested and innovative service programs.

Media Contacts:

Susan Thom
BC Housing
604 439-4715
604 230-1301

Rhonda Nguyen
BC Housing
604 439-4740
604 374-8301

Shane Mills
Office of the Premier
250 661-1015