Seniors in Naramata now have increased access to affordable housing at Columbus Place Naramata, a new building providing four modular apartments funded by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia.

"The Government of Canada is proud to have contributed to this project through Canada's Economic Action Plan," said Dan Albas, Member of Parliament for Okanagan- Coquihalla, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). "These new units will provide quality, affordable housing for seniors and benefit the economic and social well-being of the Naramata community."

"These new units of affordable housing help Naramata seniors continue living in an area where they have established roots and remain close to family and friends," said Bill Barisoff, Speaker of the House and MLA for Penticton. "I would also like to recognize the local residents who helped to catalyze this development."

Through an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement, the federal and provincial governments contributed a combined total of approximately $720,000 for four affordable seniors' apartments. The Province of British Columbia also provided the land valued at $593,000.

The Christopher Housing Society manages and operates the apartments at Columbus Place Naramata. Incorporated in 1991, the Christopher Housing Society operates 42 apartments of affordable family housing with an on-site day care in Penticton and contributes to the management of 97 apartments of seniors' housing in the region.

"Our society is excited to officially announce the opening of Columbus Place Naramata to our community," said Len Breault, president, Christopher Housing Society. "These apartments are essential to seniors and people with disabilities who need affordable housing. We would like to thank our government partners for making these apartments available to those most in need."

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, initially 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 terms of the agreement, the provincial and federal governments provided matching contributions of $61.8 million.

Canada's Economic Action Plan built on the Government of Canada's commitment in 2008 of more than $1.9 billion, over five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless. It provided $400 million, over two years, to build new rental housing for low-income seniors. Overall, the Economic Action Plan included $2 billion for the construction of new and the renovation of existing social housing, plus $2 billion in low-cost loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

A new agreement signed in July 2011 by both orders of government confirms B.C.'s allocation of the remaining three years of the $1.9 billion, which amounts to a further $90 million in federal funding for British Columbians in housing need. With the provincial contribution of $90 million in matching funds, there is a combined investment of $180 million to support housing programs that help B.C. residents access safe, affordable housing.

For more information on this and other measures in Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit: www.actionplan.gc.ca

To find out how CMHC is working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1 800 668-2642 or visit: www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan

Over the last decade, the Province has invested $2.8 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families. This year, more than 95,000 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

Andrea Scott
Consultant, Communications and Marketing
CMHC
604 737-4064

Alyson Queen
Office of Minister Finley
819 994-2482

BACKGROUNDER

Columbus Place Naramata

Columbus Place Naramata, located at 3320 - 3rd St. in Naramata, provides four modular constructed Seniors' Rental Housing apartments for seniors and persons with disabilities.

Modular housing has been used extensively for the 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 total capital cost of this project is approximately $1.3 million.

• The Government of Canada provided $297,000 under Canada's Economic Action Plan, Housing for Low-Income Seniors.
• The Province of British Columbia contributed $426,546 and the land valued at $593,000 for this project.

Christopher Housing Society

The Christopher Housing Society, incorporated in 1991, operates 42 apartments of affordable family housing with an on-site day care in Penticton and contributes to the oversight of 97 apartments of seniors' housing in the community.

Media inquiries:

Seumas Gordon
BC Housing
604 439-4789

Andrea Scott
Consultant, Communications and Marketing
CMHC
604 737-4064

Alyson Queen
Office of Minister Finley
819 994-2482