The Governments of Canada and British Columbia, along with community partners, today marked the opening of Mclean Manor, an eight-apartment affordable housing development for seniors and people with disabilities.

"Our Government is investing in affordable housing here in Lillooet to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for those who need it most," said Mark Strahl, Member of Parliament for Chilliwack - Fraser Canyon 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, adjacent to Mount McLean, provide seniors with affordable rental housing that meets their needs."

"Our government understands how important it is for seniors to have affordable housing in their communities, close to friends and family," said Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Housing. "This is why we committed to building new seniors housing in towns throughout B.C. - including Lillooet. These new homes will have a lasting impact for residents as well as the community."

Through an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement, the Government of Canada provided approximately $594,000 for this project. The Province of British Columbia provided $752,620. The District of Lillooet provided the land, valued at approximately $53,800, and waived a portion of water and sewer connection fees of approximately $2,640.

"Lillooet is a vibrant community and a great place to call home," said Acting Mayor Wendy Parker. "McLean Manor is a wonderful example of all levels of government working together to provide affordable homes for people in our community so that they can continue to be active, engaged residents of our town."

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
CMHC Communications
604 737-4064

Alyson Queen
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819 994-2482

BACKGROUNDER

McLean Manor

McLean Manor, located at 1011 Murray Street in Lillooet, is an affordable housing development providing eight apartments of modular housing to seniors and people with disabilities.

The development consists of two buildings with four apartments each and will be directly managed by the Province through BC Housing. This development is adjacent to the existing Red Rock Manor, which provides 22 apartments of seniors housing and is also directly managed by BC Housing.

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 development is approximately $1.4 million:

• The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), contributed $594,000 under Canada's Economic Action Plan.
• The Province of British Columbia contributed $752,620 toward this project.
• The District of Lillooet provided the land valued at approximately $53,800, and waived a portion of water and sewer connection fees of approximately $2,640.

Media inquiries:

Seumas Gordon
BC Housing
604 439-4789

Andrea Scott
CMHC Communications
604 737-4064

Alyson Queen
Office of Minister Finley
819 994-2482