Seniors and people with disabilities in Clearwater now have better access to affordable housing at Ed Buck Manor, a new, ten-unit, modular building funded by the governments of Canada and British Columbia along with community partners.

"One of the ways we maintain strong communities is by allowing residents to stay connected to the place they call home," said Premier Christy Clark. "Ed Buck Manor not only provides a safe home for seniors and people with disabilities, but it shows that Clearwater really cares about those in need in their community."

"Our government is proud to be investing in these units at Ed Buck Manor," said Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops - Thompson-Cariboo. "Seniors and people with disabilities will have access to safe, affordable rental housing and remain close to their family, friends and support networks."

Through an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement, the federal and provincial governments contributed a combined total of over $1.6 million for the construction of ten seniors' rental housing apartments. The Evergreen Acres Senior Citizens Housing Society provided the land, valued at $24,415 to the District of Clearwater for the purpose of developing this project. The District of Clearwater also waived $6,500 in water/sewer connection fees. Ed Buck Manor is managed and operated by the Evergreen Acres Senior Citizens Housing Society.

"Our district saw an opportunity to invest in the development of more affordable housing stock for our seniors in need through the provision of land for this project," said Mayor John Harwood, District of Clearwater. "These ten apartments offer residents of Ed Buck Manor a new place to call home in the community they all know and love, and we are happy to have contributed."

"Our society has over 35 years of experience in providing quality, affordable housing to low income senior residents in the North Thompson region," said Drake Smith, chairman, Evergreen Acres Senior Citizens Housing Society. "We are proud to bring Ed Buck Manor into our housing complex and we look forward to continue serving our seniors in need through the management and operation of this building."

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 provides information about how government supports families throughout the province. It describes a range of established programs and some new ideas to help make life more affordable, support vulnerable families and keep communities safe. To read the agenda, share your ideas or provide feedback, 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

Ed Buck Manor

Ed Buck Manor, located at 156 and 160 Evergreen Place in Clearwater, is a Seniors' Rental Housing development that provides ten 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 Ed Buck Manor is over $1.6 million for 10 affordable seniors' housing units.

• The Government of Canada provided approximately $742,500 under Canada's Economic Action Plan - Housing for low-income seniors and housing for persons with disabilities.

• The B.C. government invested approximately $895,755 and annual operation funding.

• The Evergreen Acres Seniors Citizens Housing Society provided the land, valued at $24,415, to the District of Clearwater for the purpose of developing this project.

• The District of Clearwater waived $6,500 in water/sewer connection fees.

Media inquiries:

Seumas Gordon
BC Housing
604 439-4789