More than 100 residents are now living in newly renovated homes at Sundergreen Apartments, an affordable rental housing development made possible through funding from the governments of Canada and British Columbia.

The development officially re-opened today following extensive renovations that began in April 2014.

Residents are now enjoying affordable housing with new bathrooms, kitchens, flooring and windows. Renovations also included new roofing and lighting, and updates to the security and fire alarm systems. As the renovations were phased, tenants were not displaced from their buildings.

Sundergreen consists of two three-storey buildings with a total of 46 one-bedroom and 24 two-bedroom units. Residents have access to a number of amenities including indoor and outdoor common space, a gazebo, and nearby public transportation.

Quick facts:

• The governments of Canada and British Columbia provided a combined investment of approximately $3.9 million through the Federal-Provincial Housing initiative: www.bchousing.org/Initiatives/Creating/FPHi – under the Canada-B.C. Agreement for Investment in Affordable Housing 2011: www.cmhc- (cmhc-schl.gc.ca) schl.gc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2011/2011-07-04-0930.cfm (cmhc-schl.gc.ca) – which was extended until 2019: www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2014/2014-03-04-1530.cfm
• The B.C. government also provided approximately $83,000 from the Modernization & Improvements Program.
• Located at 230 Clapperton Rd. and 335 Mulberry Ave., Sundergreen is directly managed by BC Housing.

Quotes:

Cathy McLeod, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and for Western Economic Diversification and Member of Parliament for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development) –

“I am delighted to see that renovations are complete on this project. The re-opening of these 70 units at Sundergreen brings more suitable and affordable accommodation to Kamloops, giving families and individuals the opportunity to remain and thrive in their community – one that they know and love.”

Terry Lake, MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson, Minister of Health –

“The Province is pleased to invest in initiatives that create more housing solutions for hard working British Columbians. At Sundergreen, we extended the life cycle of this development and preserved affordable rental housing stock on the North Shore of Kamloops. These renovations are a win for the residents in this community and helps revitalize the area near the remodelled John Tod Community Centre.”

Associated links:

• Annually, the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), will invest approximately $2 billion in housing. These investments improve 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. Economic Action Plan 2013 continued this commitment with a federal investment of more than $1.25 billion over five years to renew the Investment in Affordable Housing to 2019. The Government of Canada will ensure that funds provided to provinces and territories support the use of apprentices, which will support training of skilled labour. To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC help Canadians meet their housing needs, call CMHC at 1 800 668-2642 or visit: www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca
• 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. To find out more, go to: www.bchousing.org

Stay connected:

• Follow CMHC on Twitter: @CMHC_ca
• Follow BC Housing on Twitter: @BC_Housing
• Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect