Seniors and people with disabilities in Telkwa are celebrating increased access to affordable housing at Telkwa House, a new building providing eight apartments of modular housing funded by the governments of Canada and British Columbia along with community partners.

"Our government understands that projects such as Telkwa House create safe, affordable homes for seniors while creating jobs and stimulating the local economy," said Richard Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo - Prince George. "Through sound partnerships with all levels of government along with community organizations, we can make a big difference for Canadian seniors."

"Seniors are the cornerstone of our communities," said John Rustad, MLA for Nechako Lakes. "As such, we have committed to building safe, affordable housing in communities throughout the province that will allow seniors to remain in the communities they know and love. This development in Telkwa represents a solid example of our commitment."

Through an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement, the federal and provincial governments have contributed a combined total of approximately $1.3 million for the construction of the eight seniors' rental housing apartments. The Village of Telkwa provided the land, valued at $45,900 and provided equity of $7,500 for the legal, survey and subdivision fees for the new lot.

"Telkwa is a great community and a wonderful place to live," said Mayor Carman Graf, Village of Telkwa. "Projects such as Telkwa House are paramount to ensuring that residents in need in our town have a safe, affordable place to call home. I know that these eight homes will make a difference in many lives."

Telkwa House is managed and operated by the Telkwa Seniors' Housing Society.

"Everyone has worked so hard to ensure that this project is a success for the residents," said John McDivitt, president of the Telkwa Seniors' Housing Society. "I couldn't be more proud to see this project completed and to know that, thanks to all of our wonderful partners, we will leave a legacy for seniors in our community."

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.

Under B.C.'s Family Agenda, government is committed to improving housing for low-income families, seniors and people experiencing homelessness. To learn more, 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

MP Richard Harris
Constituency Office
250 564-7771

BACKGROUNDER

Telkwa House

Telkwa House, located at 1540 First Avenue in Telkwa, is a Seniors' Rental Housing development that provides eight 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 Telkwa House is approximately $1.4 million for this project.

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

• The B.C. government invested $742,796.

• The Village of Telkwa provided the land, valued at approximately $45,900 and provided equity of $7,500 for the legal, survey and subdivision fees related to the new lot.

Media inquiries:

Seumas Gordon
BC Housing
604 439-4789

MP Richard Harris
Constituency Office
250 564-7771