Seniors in Vancouver now have increased access to affordable housing with the opening of Linden Tree Place, providing 30 new affordable rental apartments for seniors and persons with disabilities.

"Access to affordable rental housing goes a long way toward building a healthy, vibrant community where people help and support one another," said Premier Christy Clark. "We made a commitment to building safe affordable housing for seniors and for people with disabilities in communities across B.C., and Linden Tree Place is a direct result."

The B.C. government invested approximately $3.7 million and land valued at $2.2 million. The City of Vancouver provided approximately $150,000 in waived development cost charges for Linden Tree Place.

"Creating more affordable housing for Vancouver seniors is a key priority for our city, especially for those who are homeless and persons with disabilities who are at risk of homelessness," said Mayor Gregor Robertson, City of Vancouver. "With 30 new affordable rental homes, Linden Tree Place is a strong addition to our community and improves the housing options for both seniors and persons with disabilities. Partnerships like this one are essential as we work to confront the challenge of housing affordability in Vancouver and focus on ending street homelessness by 2015."

The 30 apartment, four-storey wood-frame building includes 10 wheelchair-accessible apartments designed for people with physical disabilities. The Kits Neighbourhood House will manage and operate Linden Tree Place and the onsite seniors' resource centre.

Established in 1894, Kits Neighbourhood House is a non-profit registered charitable organization providing programs and services for people of all ages on the Westside of Vancouver from Granville Street to UBC, from Musqueam to Cornwall Street. The organization works towards improving the quality of both community and family life.

"Kitsilano Neighbourhood House's Linden Tree Place is fast becoming an integral part of our community by serving people in a direct and needed way," said Catherine Leach, executive director, Kits Neighbourhood House.

"Our association is delighted to see Linden Tree Place officially opened," said Dr. Chris McBride, executive director, Spinal Cord Injury BC. "We are proud of this project which has resulted in the creation of 10 new apartments that are specifically designed with accessibility in mind for those living with a spinal cord injury and/or other related physical disabilities."

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

Today's announcement is part of B.C.'s Family Agenda. By growing our economy through the BC Jobs Plan, and by controlling spending to achieve a balanced budget, B.C. can continue to invest in core services that support families and strengthen communities.

Under BC's Family Agenda, government is committed to improving housing for low-income families, seniors, and people experiencing homelessness. To learn more, visit: www.familiesfirstbc.ca.

(flickr.com)

Ben Chin
Office of the Premier
250 588-3113

City of Vancouver
Corporate Communications
604 871-6336
media@vancouver.ca

Fergus McCann
BC Housing
778 452-6445