A new affordable housing development for low- to moderate-income adults, seniors and families officially broke ground at the Central Green site in Kelowna today.

The project, located 1745 Chapman Place, will provide 86 rental apartments, including 32 two-bedroom units and eight three-bedroom units. The development will also feature a number of studio units which will be attached to larger units, offering seniors or young adults the option of living close to family.

The B.C. government arranged construction financing of nearly $15.6 million. The City of Kelowna provided the land valued at approximately $1 million.

The Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society will manage the new four-storey woodframe apartment complex. Construction is estimated to be complete by summer 2016.

Quotes:

Norm Letnick, MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country, Minister of Agriculture -

“Today, we are one step closer to the completion of the community’s vision for Central Green, ensuring that those in need remain integral and valued members of the community through increased access to affordable housing. We are delighted to have both the city and the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society as partners on this development that will house up to 134 people.”

Mayor Colin Basran, City of Kelowna -

“Investments in affordable housing developments like Central Green make a real difference in the quality of life for singles, families and seniors in our community. These 86 units ensure those in need have access to quality, affordable housing and can continue to be part of this vibrant and diverse community.”

Edna Terbasket, executive director, Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society -

“We are proud to celebrate the groundbreaking of our Central Green housing development today. This project is an important step in addressing affordable housing needs in our community. We would like to thank BC Housing, the City of Kelowna and our development team for their help in making this wonderful project happen.”

Quick facts:

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $4.4 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families.
• This year, more than 102,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.
• Last year, the B.C. government invested over $10.7 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 3,000 Kelowna households.
• Central Green will help set a new standard for development within the city and exemplifies sustainable planning and building practices in an economically responsible manner. Community engagement has been an integral part of the planning process for the Central Green Development since 2008.
• The Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society (KFS) is a non-profit urban Aboriginal organization that has provided a range of social services in Kelowna since 1974. The society serves the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community through programs such as health and wellness, family support, poverty law and housing support. KFS is the Aboriginal Homelessness Outreach Program provider in the community and also operated the White Buffalo Lodge transitional housing project in Kelowna between 2010 and 2014.

Associated links:

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

To find out more, visit: www.bchousing.org

To learn more about Central Green, visit: www.kelowna.ca/cityprojects

Media Contacts:

Rajvir Rao
BC Housing
604 439-8583

Tom Wilson
City of Kelowna
250 469-8829