The governments of Canada and British Columbia, along with community partners, officially opened an 18-unit apartment complex in Invermere, providing affordable housing for low to moderate income families.

The newly renovated family development is within walking distance of amenities such as public transportation, medical services, parks, playgrounds, and commercial areas. The Family Resource Centre, owners and operators of the complex, provide counselling and support services for individuals and families dealing with life challenges.

Quick Facts:

• The building is located at 218 - 10th Avenue.
• The governments of Canada and British Columbia provided a combined investment of $744,558 through the Affordable Rental Housing initiative (bchousing.org) under the Canada-B.C. Agreement for Investment in Affordable Housing 2011-2014 (cmhc-schl.gc.ca) that was recently extended until 2019 (cmhc-schl.gc.ca) .
• Columbia Basin Trust also contributed $744,558.
• The Government of B.C. arranged $150,000 in long-term financing.
• Other contributors include: the District of Invermere ($30,000), the Family Resource Centre of Invermere (approximately $50,000 equity), and the previous apartment owners of the apartment complex ($100,000 charitable donation).

Quotes:

David Wilks, Member of Parliament for Kootenay - Columbia on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State for Social Development -

“Conversion projects like this one are a great way to respond efficiently to our community’s need for affordable housing. Only five months have passed since we announced this endeavour and we can now welcome the first residents that will make this place their home. Our government is proud of its investment in this very worthwhile project.”

Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Core Review, MLA for Kootenay East -

“Partnerships between all levels of government are essential for making projects like this come to life. This kind of community collaboration results in tangible results for families. Within a short period of time this apartment complex has been renewed and is ready to meet the needs of the community.”

Neil Muth, president and chief executive officer, Columbia Basin Trust -

“Columbia Basin Trust is committed to supporting initiatives throughout the Basin that contribute to the well-being of our communities, and affordable housing is just one example of this commitment. We congratulate the co-operative efforts and hard work of all the partners and community members connected with this project.”

Pat Cope, executive director, Family Resource Centre of

“Stable and affordable housing is a key element in maintaining the mental and economic well-being of our community members. By converting this apartment complex into affordable rental housing, we are able to preserve this much needed housing stock for families who need it the most. We are directly making a difference in the lives of these people, and in doing so we are contributing to the good of the entire community. It’s immensely satisfying.”

Associated links:

• 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 600,000 households living in existing social housing. In British Columbia, this represents an estimated 67,350 households. The remaining funding supports housing-related activities and affordable housing programs. To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, visit: www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca (cmhc.ca)  
• 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 
• Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) delivers economic, social, and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about Columbia Basin Trust programs and initiatives, visit: http://www.cbt.org 
• The Family Resource Centre of Invermere is a registered not for profit society that provides social supports, counseling, housing, and employment services that empower people living in the Upper Columbia Valley region. To find out more about the Family Resource Centre of Invermere, visit: http://familyresourcecentre.ca

Stay connected:

• Follow CMHC on Twitter: @CMHC_ca (twitter.com)  
• Follow BC Housing on Twitter: @BC_Housing (twitter.com)  

Media Contacts:

Elaine McKay
BC Housing
778 452 6476

Andrea Scott
CMHC Communications
BC Region
604 737 4064

Rachel Lucas
Communications
Columbia Basin Trust
250 426 1103