Families and individuals in need in the community of Vernon now will have access to 20 new affordable rental housing apartments with the official opening of Vernon Viridian today.

Located at 3705 - 24th Ave., the new townhouse development consists of eight bachelor, eight one-bedroom and four two-bedroom units managed and operated by Kindale Developmental Association.

The capital cost of the project was approximately $2.9 million, of which the B.C. government provided over $2.85 million for the purchase of the land and capital costs. The City of Vernon waived over $81,370 in development cost charges.

Tenants began to move in mid-September. Approximately half of the development's units are rented with full occupancy expected by late November.

Quotes:

Norm Letnick, MLA, Kelowna-Lake Country -

"Our government supports diverse, affordable housing options for those in need in Vernon and across the province. Vernon Viridian is a great example of what can be done when partners work together to create safe, affordable rentals. These new apartments will change the lives of the people who call them home."

Eric Foster, MLA, Vernon-Monashee -

"Affordable housing is vital to our community and a fundamental part of vibrant, healthy neighbourhoods. Our government is deeply committed to helping individuals and families and to partnerships that add to the housing options and quality of life for Vernon residents."

Rob Sawatzky, mayor, City of

"The City of Vernon has actively sought out opportunities to work with partners to create more affordable and supportive housing for those in need in our community. The B.C. government, community members and Kindale Developmental Association came alongside and supported the vision that has made Vernon Viridian a reality. This development will create a new sense of community in Vernon contributing to a more vibrant and liveable city."

B. Elliot, executive director, Kindale Developmental Association -

"Our society is very excited to serve the North Okanagan's most vulnerable through the provision of housing and services at Vernon Viridian. We thank the B.C. government and City of Vernon for envisioning what could be and investing in our community."

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $3.6 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families. This year, more than 98,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial housing programs and services.
• In 2012-13, the B.C. government invested nearly $8.3 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for almost 1,560 households in Vernon. This includes providing support for more than 1,000 senior households and over 300 family households.
• Kindale Developmental Association is a non-profit society that provides a wide range of services to people throughout the North Okanagan. The society began in Armstrong in 1959 as a small school for children with special needs and has since grown into a large and diverse organization serving more than 300 individuals.

Learn more:

To learn more about provincial housing programs and services, visit: www.bchousing.org

To learn more about Kindale Developmental Association, visit: www.kindale.net

Media Contact:

Fergus McCann
BC Housing
778 452-6445