Qualicum Park Village has officially opened, providing 34 beautiful town homes for families and seniors who were in need of affordable housing in the Qualicum Beach area.

“These new homes meet the housing needs across generations from families to seniors within a beautiful natural setting,” said Michelle Stilwell, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum. “Our government understands the growing need for more affordable housing across the province and this is why we continue to partner with local governments and community partners to build new affordable homes like Qualicum Park Village.”

Families and seniors are benefiting from the park-like setting surrounding the complex and nearby access to schools and shops in Downtown Qualicum Beach. Qualicum Park Village consists of 20 one-bedroom town homes, four one-bedroom wheelchair adaptable town homes and 10 two-bedroom town homes configured in duplex and triplex buildings.

“We moved in to our new home at Qualicum Park Village in May and have found it very easy to settle in,” said Debbie Wesnedge, tenant, Qualicum Park Village. “It was very difficult to find housing that our family could fit comfortably in and afford on a single family income so needless to say I was thrilled and brought to tears when I learned that we were selected to move in. We love the atmosphere of our new home and that my four-year-old son can ride his bike safely within the complex and play with kids who live close by.”

The B.C. government arranged approximately $3.6 million in construction financing for the project. The Town of Qualicum Beach contributed $374,380 in waived development fees as well as $250,000 in matching fundraising contributions.

“We were grateful to partner with the Qualicum and Parksville Kiwanis Housing Society and support this project by waiving and reducing fees as well as matching fundraising contributions,” said Teunis Westbroek, mayor, Town of Qualicum Beach. “The new housing complex is a great addition to our town and we’d like to welcome all the families and seniors to their new homes.”

The Regional District of Nanaimo waived $62,000 in development fees. The Qualicum and 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 society also provided $268,000 in equity and fundraised contributions.

“It’s great to see this project complete and to see families and seniors living and benefiting from safe, affordable housing,” said Joe Stanhope, chairperson, Regional District of Nanaimo. “I’d like to congratulate the society and all partners for their commitment to the project.”

The Qualicum and Parksville Kiwanis Housing Society manages and operates the housing complex. The society has plans to build three additional units on the site to further meet the affordable housing needs of seniors and families in the area.

“Our society is fortunate to have the strong support of levels of government and our community to build Qualicum Park Village for seniors and families in need of affordable homes,” said Pat Weber, president, Qualicum and Parksville Kiwanis Housing Society. “Qualicum Park Village will bring together young families and seniors adding to this vibrant community.”

Qualicum Park Village, located at 250 First Ave. West, was built to replace the former Kiwanis Village.

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 $460,000 to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 130 households in Qualicum Beach. This includes providing support for more than 100 senior households and over 30 family households.
• The Qualicum and 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:

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 (twitter.com)