Premier Christy Clark officially marked the beginning of construction on 30 new affordable housing units to provide safe, supportive housing to single mothers and their children, thanks to a partnership between the province, the City of Coquitlam and the YWCA.

"Young mothers who are facing tough challenges will have a chance to create a better, brighter future for themselves and their children," said Premier Clark. "Como Lake Gardens will combine affordable housing with the supports and services that can help families stabilize, find a better path and build a new life."

The project is funded through a $7.3-million grant from the Province, land donated from the City of Coquitlam valued at $1.8 million and $1 million in contributions from the YWCA and its supporters. The province will also provide annual operating funding of $136,961 once the building is complete.

"We are thrilled to be working with the province in the creation of housing and support services for single mothers in need and their children," said Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart. "Providing city land for these kinds of projects is central to bringing these critical services to Coquitlam residents."

Como Lake Gardens, located at 528 Como Lake Avenue in Coquitlam, will be a four-storey wood-frame building with underground parking designed to Leadership in Energy and Environmental (LEED) Gold standards. The building is expected to be complete by spring 2012 and will include 22 two-bedroom apartments, eight three-bedroom apartments, common amenity space, indoor play areas and meeting space to allow for outreach and support services. The YWCA will oversee the construction and manage and operate the building once complete.

Como Lake Gardens is the second affordable housing development for single mothers and their children being built under a partnership between the YWCA and the Province of BC. YWCA Alder Gardens, a new building providing 36 apartments in Surrey broke ground in February 2011 with completion anticipated early 2012.

"Safe, affordable housing, combined with holistic support services offered by the YWCA provides the foundation for women living in poverty to make a successful transition to economic independence," said YMCA Metro Vancouver CEO Janet Austin. "We are grateful to the Province of BC and the cities of Coquitlam and Surrey for making these two projects possible."

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

YWCA Metro Vancouver (YWCA)

YWCA Metro Vancouver is a registered charity providing a range of integrated services for women and their families, and those seeking to improve the quality of their lives. From early learning and care to housing, health and fitness, employment services and leadership, YWCA Metro Vancouver touches lives in our communities.

Contact:

Susan Thom
BC Housing
604 439-4715
604 230 1301

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

Planning and Development
City of Coquitlam
604 927-3400

Chris Olsen
Office of the Premier
604 220-1640