Thirty-six Aboriginal families are settling into their new affordable homes at 550 Goldstream Ave., a recently completed mixed-use development in Langford, which officially opened today on National Aboriginal Day.

The building provides 30 two-bedroom and six three-bedroom homes and includes energy star rated appliances and windows, water-efficient landscaping, low-flow fixtures and high-efficiency maintenance systems. Families have nearby access to health services, a number of schools and parks, and a community centre and recreation centre.

M’akola Development Services and M’akola Housing Society own and operate the building and have relocated their provincial operations into the ground-level commercial space at the new building.

Quick Facts:

• The governments of Canada and British Columbia provided a combined investment of nearly $4.9 million through the Affordable Rental Housing initiative, under the Canada-B.C. Agreement for Investment in Affordable Housing.
• The B.C. government provided nearly $6.3 million in construction financing.
• The City of Langford provided $463,600 in municipal grants and reductions.
• Aboriginal Housing Management Association is providing a yearly operating subsidy of $43,878.
• M’akola Development Services provided approximately $1.9 million of equity.

Quotes:

Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation —

“Investing in social infrastructure in our communities is a key pillar of our government’s strategy to create growth. This affordable housing project in Langford will help to build a foundation for broader social and economic success for these families.”

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

“The B.C. government continues to invest in new affordable housing that meets the needs of families throughout British Columbia. M’akola Housing Society’s new development is a great example of what can be done when levels of government and community partners come together. I’d like to welcome all families to their new home and congratulate all partners involved.”

Mayor Stewart Young, City of Langford —

“It’s great to see this project complete and families benefiting from safe affordable housing in this area. We were proud to partner with M’akola Development Services and M’akola Housing Society to bring this great addition to our city. I’d like to congratulate everyone involved.”

David Silva, Interim CEO, Aboriginal Housing Management Association —

“The new building is perfectly located near schools and amenities which will help families better engage with their community. We look forward to continuing our work with the Province and our municipal partners to meet the social housing needs of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal families in B.C.”

Kevin Albers, CEO, M’akola Group of Societies —

“We’d like to acknowledge all government partners for their contribution towards this much needed development at 550 Goldstream. This marks another major milestone for our society, that will set in motion our next 30 years of providing, safe, affordable, and suitable housing to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal families throughout B.C.”

Associated Links:

• 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, provide support for Canadians in housing need, and offer 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, nearly 102,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services. To find out more, go to: www.bchousing.org
• M’akola Group of Societies is the largest Aboriginal housing provider in British Columbia. M’akola houses nearly 5,000 family members in more than 1,500 homes throughout the province. For more than 30 years M’akola has been offering affordable housing to families, singles, couples, Elders and seniors. M’akola’s success has been based on our ongoing partnerships with government agencies, First Nations and other non-profit societies. Today M’akola employs nearly 100 full-time staff and continues to grow and expand its reach in B.C. For more information, visit: www.makola.bc.ca

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