Seniors and people with disabilities in Taylor are celebrating increased access to affordable housing at McMahon Manor, a new eight, modular-unit building funded by the governments of Canada and British Columbia along with community partners.

"Our Government understands that having a safe and affordable place to call home is important to Canadians and their communities," said Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament for Prince George - Peace River. "Funding projects like McMahon Manor will not only improve the overall housing conditions for seniors and persons with disabilities, but also helps to stimulate the local economy and create jobs."

"Our government's investment resulted in the creation of new affordable housing options for seniors and persons with disabilities in Taylor," said Pat Pimm, MLA for Peace River North. "These apartments are already making a real difference in this community and the lives of those who call McMahon Manor home. I would like to congratulate all our partners for making this project a success."

Through an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement, the Federal and provincial governments contributed a combined total of approximately $1.6 million for the construction of eight, seniors', rental-housing apartments. The District of Taylor provided the land valued at $100,000.

"The District of Taylor contributed the land for the development of this project so that seniors in our community will have a new and affordable housing option to age in place," said Mayor Fred Jarvis, District of Taylor. "We are proud of the work accomplished through this multi-level government partnership and would like to thank our citizens for their support on this project."

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 throughout 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 the B.C. government supports families throughout 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

McMahon Manor

McMahon Manor, located at 9607 99 Ave. in Taylor, is a seniors' rental housing development that provides eight units of affordable housing for seniors, and people with disabilities, in need.

The 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 McMahon Manor is over $1.6 million for eight, affordable seniors'-housing units.

• The Government of Canada provided $594,000 under the stimulus phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan - Housing for low-income seniors and housing for persons with disabilities.

• The B.C. government invested $948,000.

• The District of Taylor provided the land valued at approximately $100,000.

Media inquiries:

Seumas Gordon
BC Housing
604 439-4789