Following a proposal call in February 2016, the British Columbia government has announced the preferred proponents to own and operate two social housing sites that are currently owned by the Province and managed by BC Housing.

Options Community Services, a non-profit society dedicated to supporting families and promoting community health, has been selected to operate Ted Kuhn Towers in Surrey. More Than a Roof, an organization committed to assisting individuals and families in achieving sufficiency through affordable housing, has been selected for Sunset Towers in Vancouver.

The transfers will not affect tenants. There will be no change in rents as a result of these transfers and the number of units will remain the same.

Both societies are well-positioned to serve the tenant communities and ensure the long-term viability of Ted Kuhn Towers and Sunset Towers. BC Housing and the two societies are discussing operating agreements for the sites and are working to ensure a smooth handover for the buildings’ operations. The new operating agreements are expected to be completed in the coming months.

The transfers are part of the Non-Profit Asset Transfer program initiated in 2014 with the goal of strengthening the non-profit sector that already manages 90% of social housing in British Columbia.

Net proceeds from the asset transfer program will be reinvested into the construction of new affordable housing projects or the repair and renovation of existing projects. $355 million generated from this program will be used to create upwards of 2,000 new affordable housing units throughout B.C.

Quick Facts:

• Sunset Tower I and Sunset Tower II were built in 1967 and are located in the West End of Vancouver at 1650 Haro St. and 1655 Barclay St. respectively. The two high-rise apartment buildings have a total of 492 units for seniors and people with disabilities.
• Ted Kuhn Tower was built in 1972 and is located in Surrey at 13350 Old Yale Rd. It is comprised of 245 units for seniors and people with disabilities. Ted Kuhn Tower Extension was built in 1976 and is located in Surrey at 13352 Old Yale Rd. It includes 189 units for seniors and people with disabilities.

Learn More:

Non-Profit Asset Transfer Program: www.bchousing.org/Initiatives/Housing_Matters/Asset_Transfer_Program

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)