Seniors in Fort St. John now have increased access to affordable housing at Heritage Manor III, a new building providing eight units of affordable seniors' housing 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 Canadian seniors and their communities," said Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament for Prince George - Peace River. "Funding projects like Heritage Manor III will not only improve the overall housing conditions for seniors, but also helps to stimulate the local economy and create jobs."

"It is important to me and to our government that seniors in Fort St. John have access to safe, affordable housing in our community where they established roots, raised their families and hope to remain," said Pat Pimm, MLA for Peace River North. "Heritage Manor III connects seniors to the quality housing they need in the city they know and love."

Through an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement, the federal and provincial governments contributed a combined total of approximately $1.5 million for the construction of eight seniors' rental housing apartments. The City of Fort St. John provided the land valued at approximately $313,000 for this project.

"The City of Fort St. John was pleased to provide a contribution to assist with development of Heritage Manor III and see this project come to fruition," said Mayor Lori Ackerman, City of Fort St. John. "We were delighted to have provided the land for development of Heritage Manor III so that seniors in Fort St. John are ensured access to quality, affordable housing for many years to come."

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 outlines how government actions are supporting families throughout the province. Built on three pillars - family affordability, supporting vulnerable families, and safe communities, strong families - the agenda describes a range of established programs and new ideas to ensure families have the best ability to succeed. British Columbians are invited to share their ideas and comment on key areas of the agenda at: 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

Aug. 27, 2012 Ministry of Energy and Mines

Minister Responsible for Housing

Heritage Manor III

Heritage Manor III located at 9804 106th Ave. in Fort St. John, 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 total capital cost of this project is approximately $1.8 million.

• 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 $947,617.
• The City of Fort St. John provided the land, valued at $313,000 for this development.

Media inquiries:

Seumas Gordon
BC Housing
604 439-4789