Individuals in Penticton who are at risk of homelessness will soon have access to a new affordable rental housing option with the recent purchase of a 42-unit motel.

The Province has purchased the former Bel Air Motel, which will be renovated to provide safe and secure housing for people in need who are able to live independently. Onsite staff will work with tenants to connect them with community service providers for supports.

Occupancy is estimated for late fall 2016 and will be phased as renovations are complete in each unit. Located at 2670 Skaha Lake Road, the property will be renamed to Fairhaven.

The governments of Canada and B.C. provided a combined investment of $3.2 million for the purchase and renovations of the motel through the Canada-B.C. Agreement for Investment in Affordable Housing.

The Government of B.C. will own the property, with BC Housing maintaining day-to-day property management duties.

Quotes:

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) –

“Our government is committed to increasing affordable housing for people in need throughout the country, including Penticton. We will continue partnering with provinces and territories to fund financially sound housing projects and help improve the lives of our most vulnerable populations.”

Dan Ashton, MLA for Penticton –

“I’m pleased we’re able to provide more affordable housing options in the Penticton area. This is a great example of governments working together, taking input from community groups, and making a real difference in people’s lives.”

Mayor Andrew Jakubeit, City of Penticton –

“Affordable housing for our most disadvantaged residents has been a long-time goal for our community. This is a welcome and much needed development that will bring safety, independence and dignity to many who struggle to keep a roof over their heads.”

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, 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 $4.8 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families. More than 104,000 B.C. households benefit from provincial social housing programs and services. To find out more, go to: www.bchousing.org

• Canadians are invited to help shape the National Housing Strategy by joining the conversation on: www.LetsTalkHousing.ca. Your ideas will help shape the future of housing in Canada.

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