Seniors and people with disabilities in Pemberton now have increased access to affordable housing at Pemberton Villas, a new 22 modular unit building funded by the governments of Canada and British Columbia along with community partners.

"This is great news for the residents of Pemberton. By providing more rental options for low-income residents, this project will contribute to the economic and social well-being of the entire community," said Mark Strahl, Member of Parliament for Chilliwack - Fraser Canyon. "I'm proud to say that this project received $1.6 million in federal funding under the stimulus phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan. This investment gives hope to residents who need quality, affordable housing that meets their needs."

"Our government is pleased to have invested in the development of Pemberton Villas and projects like this across the province because we are committed to increasing access to affordable housing for our seniors most in need," said Joan McIntyre, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky. "I want to congratulate all partners involved, especially the Pemberton Lions Activities Society, for making affordable seniors' housing in Pemberton a reality."

Through an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement, the federal and provincial governments contributed a combined total of approximately $3.6 million for the construction of 22 seniors' rental housing apartments. The Village of Pemberton provided $120,000 and waived $120,000 in development cost charges for this project. The Pemberton Lions Activities Society provided $100,000.

"Pemberton is a fast-growing community and, as such, we saw a need for more affordable housing for our aging senior population," said Village of Pemberton Mayor Jordan Sturdy. "The Village of Pemberton saw an opportunity to work with our government partners and the Pemberton Lions Activities Society to bring in new, affordable housing for our seniors in the Pemberton Valley area and we were happy to have contributed."

The Pemberton Lions Activities Society manages and operates the building along with the Lions Villa and the Seniors Activity Centre in Pemberton.

"Our group of dedicated volunteer Lions are delighted to add Pemberton Villas to the group of buildings we manage and operate for our area seniors and persons with disabilities in need," said Patrick Saintsbury, head of the board, Pemberton Lions Activities Society. "We are passionate about our work in supporting seniors in search of affordable housing in our community. I know that Pemberton Villas will serve our community of seniors well for decades to come."

The Seniors' Rental Housing Initiative was a result of a $365-million joint investment under an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement, which included 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, provided $123.6 million, including $104 million for seniors and $19.6 million for persons with disabilities, to develop approximately 1,300 new affordable rental housing units, which has helped to stimulate local economies in smaller communities across B.C. Under the terms of the agreement, the provincial and federal governments provided matching contributions of $61.8 million.

The Families First Agenda for British Columbia provides information about how government supports families across the province. It describes a range of established programs and some new ideas to help make life more affordable, support vulnerable families and keep communities safe. To read the agenda, share your ideas or provide feedback, visit: www.FamiliesFirstBC.ca

Since 2001, the government of B.C. has invested $3.2 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families. This year, more than 97,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services. To find out more, visit: www.bchousing.org

A backgrounder follows.

Media inquiries:

Seumas Gordon
BC Housing
604 439-4789

BACKGROUNDER

Sept. 13, 2012 Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas

Minister Responsible for Housing

Pemberton Villas

Pemberton Villas, located at 7420 Flint Street in Pemberton, is a Seniors' Rental Housing development that provides 22 units of affordable modular housing for seniors and people with disabilities in need.

Modular housing has been used extensively for seniors' rental housing developments as it allows construction to 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 estimated capital cost of Pemberton Villas is approximately $4 million for this project.

• The Government of Canada provided approximately $1.6 million under Canada's Economic Action Plan - Housing for low-income seniors and housing for persons with disabilities.
• The B.C. government invested approximately $2 million.
• The Village of Pemberton provided $120,000 and waived $120,000 in development cost charges for the development of this project.
• The Pemberton Lions Activities Society provided $100,000.

Media inquiries:

Seumas Gordon
BC Housing
604 439-4789