Today, anticipation builds at the groundbreaking ceremony for Qualicum Park Village, previously the site of Kiwanis Village.

As redevelopment kicks off, the bright new affordable housing complex will provide more options for seniors and families with low-to-moderate incomes in Qualicum Beach.

The new development replaces the existing 20-unit building, located at 250 First Ave. West, with 24 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom apartments. Surrounded by nature, the project aims to maintain its park-like setting to provide a healthy, outdoor environment for seniors and families at the site.

The Qualicum-Parksville Kiwanis Housing Society will manage and operate the building. Construction is expected to be complete by spring 2015.

Funding for this project provided by the following:

• The B.C. government arranged over $3.6 million in construction financing.
• The Town of Qualicum Beach contributed $168,000 and waived $249,407 in development fees.
• The Regional District of Nanaimo waived $62,000 in development fees.
• The Qualicum-Parksville Kiwanis Housing Society donated the land, valued at approximately $1.1 million. The land was originally given to the society by the Town of Qualicum Beach in 1974.
• The Qualicum-Parksville Kiwanis Housing Society also provided $268,000 in equity and fundraised contributions.

Quotes:

Michelle Stilwell, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum - 

“By supporting this renewal of Kiwanis Village, we’re increasing the number of affordable housing options in Qualicum. The Qualicum-Parksville Kiwanis Housing Society deserves thanks for their dedication to supporting the housing needs of seniors and families in our community.”

Mayor Teunis Westbroek, Town of Qualicum Beach - 

“Kiwanis Village has been a cornerstone of this community for years. We’ve all seen the positive impact the Qualicum-Parksville Kiwanis Housing Society has had in our town, and this much needed affordable housing redevelopment will be a welcome addition to Qualicum Beach.”

Joe Stanhope, chair, Regional District of Nanaimo -

“The Regional District of Nanaimo is a proud partner in the redevelopment of Kiwanis Village. The availability of affordable housing for seniors and families most in need is an integral component of any healthy community. This project ensures seniors and families will have access to quality, affordable housing for years to come.”

Pat Weber, president, Qualicum-Parksville Kiwanis Housing Society -

“For 40 years our society has managed and operated Kiwanis Village, providing our seniors with safe, affordable housing. As Kiwanis Village approached the end of its building life cycle, our society’s vision to continue to serve this community meant expanding the amount of affordable housing options for not just seniors but families in need. I’d like to thank all our community and government partners for bringing this much-needed redevelopment project to fruition.”

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 social housing programs and services.
• In 2012-13, the B.C. government invested $454,000 to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for 154 Qualicum Beach households.
• The Qualicum-Parksville Kiwanis Housing Society is a non-profit, charitable organization, established in 1973, to construct, own, operate and manage affordable housing projects in Qualicum Beach and Parksville. 

Learn More:

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

Media Contacts:

Fergus McCann
BC Housing
778 452-6445