Seniors in Nelson celebrated the one-year anniversary of Anderson Gardens, a 33-unit affordable housing development, including 20 Seniors' Rental Housing apartments funded by the governments of Canada and British Columbia along with community partners.

"Our Government remains committed to helping seniors in British Columbia and throughout the country," said David Wilks, Member of Parliament for Kootenay-Columbia, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State for Social Development. "Projects like this one are providing safe, affordable housing to many residents in our community while creating jobs and stimulating our economy."

"It is important that seniors across the province are provided access to safe, affordable housing in their times of need," said Eric Foster, MLA for Vernon-Monashee. "That is why the B.C. government is a proud supporter of partnerships that result in the development of housing projects like Anderson Gardens. I can already see the positive impact that these apartments have had on this community and the seniors who call these apartments home. Congratulations to CMHA - Kootenays and all our partners for the continued success of Anderson Gardens."

Through an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement, the federal and provincial governments contributed a combined total of $3 million for the construction of 20 seniors' rental housing apartments. The Government of B.C. also provided over $3.2 million toward the development of the remaining 13 apartments, $675,000 for the land and $322,067 in annual operational funding. The Real Estate Foundation provided $175,000 and the Columbia Basin Trust contributed $150,000 toward this project. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - Kootenays Branch provided $250,000 and manages and operates Anderson Gardens.

"The Real Estate Foundation of BC is pleased that our $175,000 grant helped create more affordable housing for seniors in Nelson," says Jack Wong, CEO, Real Estate Foundation of BC. "We are strong believers in supporting projects that result in positive changes for B.C. communities and Anderson Gardens is a good example of this. I want to congratulate CMHA - Kootenays on their one year anniversary for Anderson Gardens and I wish them continued success."

"This is a great opportunity to celebrate the collaborative efforts of the community, local partners and government, and a chance to congratulate you all on the one-year anniversary of Anderson Gardens," said Neil Muth, CBT president and CEO. "This initiative is helping our communities meet a clear need for seniors' housing, ensuring basin residents of all ages have affordable and quality housing options. CBT is honoured to be a part of this."

"We are delighted to officially celebrate the one year opening of Anderson Gardens with our partners and tenants," said Janice Ivan, executive director, Canadian Mental Health Association - Kootenays Branch. "CMHA - Kootenays are strong believers that the provision of quality, affordable housing is a key step to good mental health and we are pleased to celebrate the success of this project."

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 terms of the agreement, the provincial and federal governments provided matching contributions of $61.8 million.

The Canada - British Columbia Agreement for Investment in Affordable Housing 2011 - 2014, signed in July 2011, confirms the remaining three years of B.C.'s five-year allocation of the Government of Canada's 2008 commitment of more than $1.9 billion to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless. This means a further $90 million in federal funding for British Columbians in housing need. With matching provincial contributions of $90 million, a total combined investment of $180 million helps to support affordable housing programs for B.C. residents.

The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest approximately $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of almost 605,000 households living in existing social housing. In British Columbia, this represents some 68,650 households. 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.

For more information on this and other measures in Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit: www.actionplan.gc.ca

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.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 inquiries:

Fergus McCann
BC Housing
778 452-6445

Rachel Lucas
Columbia Basin Trust
250 426-1103

BACKGROUNDER

Anderson Gardens

Anderson Gardens, located at 302 Anderson St. in Nelson, provides 33 new affordable rental apartments including 20 Seniors' Rental Housing apartments for seniors and persons with disabilities.

Partners and Funding:

The total capital cost of this project is approximately $7.5 million.

• The Government of Canada provided approximately $1.5 million under Canada's Economic Action Plan.
• The Government of B.C. provided $1.5 million toward the 20 Seniors' Rental Housing apartments, over $3.2 million toward the remaining 13 apartments, $675,000 for the land and $322,067 in annual operational funding.
•  The Columbia Basin Trust provided $150,000.
• The Real Estate Foundation provided $175,000.
• The Canadian Mental Health Association - Kootenays Branch provided $250,000 toward this development.

Media inquiries:

Fergus McCann
BC Housing
778 452-6445

Rachel Lucas
Columbia Basin Trust
250 426-1103