The B.C. government has issued a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to partner with municipalities, non-profit housing providers, community groups and the private sector to facilitate the creation of affordable rental housing for low-to-moderate-income households in communities throughout British Columbia.

The EOI call is for the first year of the Provincial Investment In Affordable Housing program, a $355-million investment by the Province to create more than 2,000 affordable rental housing units. The funding is the largest single affordable housing investment in B.C.’s history.

The selection of submissions will be based on criteria that includes the impact the project will have in reducing the community’s affordable rental housing need.

Interested proponents can find out more about the EOI by participating in one of two informational webinars scheduled for April 25, 2016, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and April 27, 2016, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. As well, questions can be emailed to: piah@bchousing.org

Through this new housing program, safe, affordable homes will be created for people in greatest need, including low-income families and individuals, people at risk of homelessness, seniors and Aboriginals.

Quote:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development and Responsible for Housing –

“We can build healthier communities by making sure that people have access to secure and affordable rental housing. Our record investment reflects a commitment to help those in greatest need throughout B.C. find a safe and affordable place to call home.”

Quick Facts:

• The funding will be distributed over a five-year period:
  • $50 million in 2016-17
  • $50 million in 2017-18
  • $75 million in 2018-19
  • $90 million in 2019-20
  • $90 million in 2020-21
• The funding is being generated from the Non-Profit Asset Transfer (NPAT) program initiated in 2014, whereby BC Housing is transferring select land and buildings to non-profit housing providers. All net proceeds from the NPAT program will be reinvested into affordable housing.
• The EOI package is available at MERX Canadian Public Tenders: www.merx.com/bch and links to MERX are also available at BC Housing: www.bchousing.org/Partners/Call and BC Bid: www.bcbid.gov.bc.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 (twitter.com)