Working individuals now have greater access to housing at Pembroke Mews, a new 25-unit affordable rental development for low- to moderate-income adults in Victoria.

"The Harper Government is helping make affordable rental housing available in British Columbia and across the country for those who need it the most," said the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, 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 25 new units in Victoria will improve housing conditions by providing access to safe, affordable housing that meets the needs of this community."

"It was just over a year ago that I had the privilege to be here celebrating the construction of Pembroke Mews and it's wonderful to be back to see the completed building," said Ida Chong, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head. "By working with our partners to create new, affordable housing options for working individuals living in Victoria, we are investing in a healthy and active community."

The Government of Canada contributed $655,000 toward the development of this building. The Province provided approximately $2 million in long-term financing. The City of Victoria contributed $250,000 from the Affordable Housing Fund and the Capital Regional District, through the Regional Housing Trust Fund, contributed $375,000 towards this development.

"The City of Victoria saw an opportunity to support affordable rental housing, targeted for working adults in our downtown core, as a way to strengthen our entire community," said Mayor Dean Fortin, City of Victoria. "Housing is a key priority for the City of Victoria, and through our Housing Fund we were able to contribute $250,000 towards this important project."

"Fostering programs and initiatives that positively impact our region is a key priority for the Capital Regional District," said Paul Gerrard, chairman, Capital Regional District's Regional Housing Trust Fund Commission. "That is why we are a proud supporter of projects like Pembroke Mews because we believe that affordable housing options for working adults are critical to the growth of any healthy community."

A variety of community groups came together as funding partners in support of this project, including the United Way of Greater Victoria, Coast Capital Savings and Home Depot Canada Foundation.

"The United Way of Greater Victoria is a strong advocate of initiatives that positively impact those in need of more affordable housing solutions," said Chris Poirier-Skelton, director of community investment and collaboration, United Way of Greater Victoria. "The $100,000 grant we provided towards the development of Pembroke Mews is a major step in moving people from poverty to possibility and building a strong and caring community."

The Greater Victoria Housing Society will manage and operate Pembroke Mews.

"We are strong believers that affordable housing is essential to a person's well-being," said Kim Thorau, vice chair, Greater Victoria Housing Society. "The apartments at Pembroke Mews help put our beliefs in action, providing working adults in Victoria with quality, affordable housing for years to come. Our society was absolutely thrilled to see the level of support and enthusiasm this project has garnered from our government and community partners."

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
BC Region
604 737-4064

Katie Josephson
City of Victoria
250 361-0210

Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819 994-2482

BACKGROUNDER

Pembroke Mews

The Greater Victoria Housing Society's Pembroke Mews, located at 2014 Government St. in Victoria, provides 25 affordable rental apartments for low- to moderate-income working adults in Victoria.

Partners and Funding:

Total capital cost of this project is approximately $4.5 million.

• The Government of Canada provided $655,000 through the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP), Proposal Development Funding (PDF) and SEED funding toward this project.

• The Province provided approximately $2 million in long-term financing.

• The City of Victoria contributed $250,000 under their Victoria Trust Fund.

• Capital Regional District through the Capital Region Housing Trust Fund provided $375,000.

• United Way of Canada contributed $100,000.

• 555 Holdings Ltd. (Knappett Projects) purchased two of the newly constructed strata lots for $1.1 million.

• Community partners Coast Capital Savings and Home Depot Canada Foundation provided $55,000 in equity.

Greater Victoria Housing Society

Established in 1956, the Greater Victoria Housing Society is a non-profit society and registered charity dedicated to providing affordable rental housing to those in need residing in the Greater Victoria community.

Media inquiries:

Seumas Gordon
BC Housing
604 439-4789

Andrea Scott
CMHC Communications
BC Region
604 737-4064

Katie Josephson
City of Victoria
250 361-0210

Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819 994-2482