Young families and singles will soon have better access to affordable rental housing in Downtown Squamish, as construction is underway on Centrepoint, a new mixed-use building that will provide 32 affordable housing units.

In addition to affordable rents, tenants will benefit from 26 onsite bicycle stalls and a nearby park, public library, retail stores and medical services in the vicinity. Local community organizations will have the opportunity to use the new building’s program space, including access to a kitchen.

Located at 38014 Fourth Ave., the building will include a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, including two wheelchair accessible units.

Sea to Sky Community Services Society will manage and operate the building. The society’s head office will relocate to Centrepoint where it will continue to provide various programs for children, youth, adults, seniors and families. The project will also include the redevelopment of Squamish United Church. It is estimated to be complete in summer 2017.

The Governments of Canada and British Columbia provided a combined investment of $2.8 million for the project through the Canada-B.C. Agreement for Investment in Affordable Housing. The B.C. government also provided $9.8 million in construction financing.

Additional donations came from the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation, the District of Squamish, and Squamish Savings a division of Vancity. Sea to Sky Community Services will continue to fundraise for the building.

Quotes:

Pam Goldsmith-Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country, on behalf of Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation –

“The Government of Canada is investing in affordable housing here in Squamish and across Canada to improve the quality of life for those who need it most. I would like to thank our partners and the outstanding local effort in making Centrepoint a reality for the good of our community’s social and economic wellbeing.”

Jordan Sturdy, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky –

“Once the Centerpoint project is complete, families in need of safe, affordable housing will have more options here in Squamish. The Province is committed to partnering with other levels of government and community organizations across the province to create new affordable housing opportunities that will make a real difference to British Columbians.”

Lois Wynne, executive director, Sea to Sky Community Services Society –

“We’re very grateful for this investment from the federal and provincial governments, both of whom have been supporting our important programming for years. With this investment, individuals and the community will be strengthened for decades to come.”

Learn More:

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been helping Canadians meet their housing needs for more than 70 years. As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need and offers unbiased housing research and advice to Canadian governments, consumers and the housing industry. Prudent risk management, strong corporate governance and transparency are cornerstones of its operations. For more information, please call 1 800 668-2642, or visit: www.cmhc.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 102,500 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services. To find out more, go to: www.bchousing.org

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