Families and individuals with low incomes will soon have increased access to affordable rental homes near Downtown Victoria, as construction is underway on Wilson’s Walk, a new 108-unit mixed-income apartment building.

“Having a safe, affordable place to call home makes a huge difference in people’s lives,” said Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development and Minister Responsible for Housing. “Together with Pacifica Housing and our local government partners, we are making a difference by creating new affordable housing in the heart of Victoria.”

Wilson’s Walk is located minutes away from the downtown core at 105 Wilson St. The building will include 84 affordable rental apartments, giving more people in Victoria a safe and secure place to live and raise their families. It will provide residents with easy access to shops and amenities, including the Victoria West Park and the Galloping Goose Trail. The development will also feature 24 market apartments.

The B.C. government provided the land for the project, valued at over $1.1 million and will arrange close to $19 million in construction financing. The City of Victoria will provide $840,000 toward the project. The Capital Regional District’s Regional Housing Trust Fund will contribute over $1.2 million.

“We’ve seen the positive impact at a number of Pacifica’s affordable housing communities and today we are happy to celebrate the new addition of Wilson’s Walk,” said Lisa Helps, mayor, City of Victoria. “A special thanks to the society and partners for their commitment to help people find safe, secure and permanent affordable housing in Victoria.”

“We are thankful for the continued commitment of our partners to ensure adults and families in Greater Victoria have access to much needed affordable housing near the downtown area,” said Charlayne Thornton-Joe, chair, CRD Regional Housing Trust Fund.

Pacifica Housing Advisory Association will manage and operate the new building. Wilson’s Walk is located next to Pacifica Housing Advisory Association’s The Wing, which provides 51 affordable rental homes for low- to moderate-income singles and families.

“Wilson’s Walk is a great step forward towards our goal to provide safe, quality housing for individuals and families,” said Deborah George, Pacifica Housing board chair, Pacifica Housing Advisory Association. “I’d like to thank our government and community partners for bringing our vision for this development to life.”

Construction is expected to be complete by early 2017.

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 102,500 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.
• Last year, the Province invested over $19.7 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 5,100 Victoria households.
• Pacifica Housing is a leading, innovative provider of affordable housing and support services in Greater Victoria, Duncan and Nanaimo for low income families, persons with a disability and adults who are currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. With 32 buildings totalling 842 units, Pacifica currently provides homes for over 1,500 people. For more information, visit: www.pacificahousing.ca

Learn More:

For more information on affordable housing programs and the province’s efforts to end homelessness in B.C., please visit: www.housingmattersbc.ca/factsheets.html  and www.bchousing.org

Follow BC Housing on Twitter: @BC_Housing