The governments of Canada and British Columbia officially opened Rowe House today, a 107-year-old historic building converted to provide 14 units of affordable housing for employed youth and young adults in Nanaimo.

"The investments in Rowe House will help residents access safe and affordable housing that meets their needs, while also creating jobs for the local economy," said James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Alberni on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State for Social Development. "Our government remains committed to working with our partners to develop and implement solutions to housing both in Nanaimo and across Canada. We remain focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and of course, their personal financial security."

"We took an historic building and gave it new life to benefit youth from our community," said Michelle Stillwell, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum. "Our government is proud to support initiatives that provide assistance to our youth and young adults. I want to thank our partners, the Nanaimo Youth Services Association, who have served our community for many years and will provide guidance and support to the youth living here at Rowe House."

The governments of Canada and B.C. provided a combined investment of $300,000 through the Federal Provincial Housing initiative, under the Investment in Affordable Housing 2011-2014 Agreement. In addition, the Government of B.C. provided financing of $381,515 to enable Nanaimo Youth Services Association to complete the acquisition of the property. The City of Nanaimo provided a $75,000 grant. Labour contributions were provided by the BladeRunners valued at $15,000 and the Rotary Club valued at $10,000.

"I'd like to thank all partners who contributed to the renovations of the new Rowe House," said Mayor John Ruttan. "This new affordable housing option will benefit youth from our community who are entering into the workforce and a path towards self-sufficiency."

Rowe House, located at 545 Haliburton St. in Nanaimo, consists of 15 units including one unit for an on-site resident manager who provides support to tenants. This development is owned and operated by Nanaimo Youth Services Association.

"This project was an idea a little under two years ago, and today, along with our partners, we are celebrating the official opening," said Steve Arnett, chief executive officer, Nanaimo Youth Services Association. "The purpose and vision of Rowe House is to assist youth and young adults to reach their full potential by establishing an environment to encourage youth to become productive citizens. I know Rowe House will change the lives of many youth now and for years to come."

The Federal Provincial Housing initiative is a component of the $180-million Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) 2011-2014 Agreement between the governments of Canada and British Columbia, which was announced in July 2011. With matching contributions of $90 million from both levels of government, this total combined investment helps to support affordable housing programs for B.C. residents.

Annually, the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), will invest approximately $2 billion in housing. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of close to 594,000 households living in existing social housing. In British Columbia, this represents an estimated 68,050 households. The remaining funding supports housing-related activities and affordable housing programs, including the Investment in Affordable Housing. These investments are improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people. Economic Action Plan 2013 continues this commitment with a federal investment of more than $1.25 billion over five years to renew the Investment in Affordable Housing to 2019. The Government of Canada will ensure that funds provided to provinces and territories support the use of apprentices, which will support training of skilled labour. More than 146,769 households across Canada are no longer in housing need as a result of funding provided under the IAH from April 1, 2011 to June 30, 2013.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1 800 668-2642 or visit: www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca

Since 2001, the Government of B.C. 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 social housing programs and services. To find out more, visit: www.bchousing.org

A backgrounder follows.

Media Contacts:

Fergus McCann
BC Housing
778 452-6445

Andrea Scott
CMHC Communications
BC Region
604 737-4064

Johanna Quinney
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Social Development)
613 697-4449
johanna.quinney@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Rowe House

Rowe House, located at 545 Haliburton St. in Nanaimo, provides 14 units of affordable housing for employed youth and young adults aged 17 to 30 years old with one unit for an on-site resident manager. Each unit includes a small fridge, microwave and storage. The building was renovated to include communal bathrooms, laundry room and kitchens. Nanaimo Youth Services Association owns and manages the building.

The two-storey, Victorian style building was constructed in 1906 and operated as a 13-unit boarding house. The renovations reconfigured the layout of the building adding two additional units as well as plumbing, electrical, mechanical and fire code upgrades.

Partners and Funding:

Total capital cost is approximately $782,000:

• The governments of Canada and B.C. provided a combined investment of $300,000 through the Federal Provincial Housing initiative, under the Investment in Affordable Housing.
• The Government of B.C. provided financing of $381,515 to enable Nanaimo Youth Services Association to complete the acquisition of the property.
• The City of Nanaimo provided a $75,000 grant.
• The Rotary Club provided labour contributions valued at $10,000.
• The BladeRunners provided labour contributions valued at $15,000.

Nanaimo Youth Services Association

Nanaimo Youth Services Association is a community based, not for profit, charitable society. Incorporated in 1969, the society provides a range of residential and non-residential services to vulnerable youth in the Nanaimo Regional District. To learn more, visit: www.nysa.bc.ca

Media Contacts:

Fergus McCann
BC Housing
778 452-6445

Andrea Scott
CMHC Communications
BC Region
604 737-4064

Johanna Quinney
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Social Development)
613 697-4449
johanna.quinney@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca