Seniors and Aboriginal people, including those with disabilities, are settling into new homes at Tanner Terrace in Vernon, a 10-unit townhouse complex that celebrated its official opening today.

Thirteen people now have a safe, affordable place to call home. The housing project is focused on providing independent living options to seniors in a community where there is a higher portion of seniors compared to other communities of a similar size in the province.

Tanner Place is a cluster of four stacked townhouses. Two of the 10 units are wheelchair accessible. There are also four units that can be converted to support tenants with mobility issues. The remaining four units are standard one bedroom units.

The building is operated by the Vernon Native Housing Society, which focuses on providing affordable housing to low-income families and individuals of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal descent within the Vernon area.

Located at 3304 Alexis Park Dr., the building is in walking distance to transit services, parks, recreational facilities and the central business district of Vernon.

Quick Facts:

• The Government of Canada and B.C. provided a combined investment of approximately $1.96 million through the Investment in Affordable Housing agreement.
• The B.C. government provided approximately $265,000 in financing and a grant of $75,000 from the Aboriginal Housing Initiative.
• The City of Vernon provided approximately $51,000 in municipal waivers.
• The Vernon Housing Society provided land valued at $108,000 and equity of $25,000.

Quotes:

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

“Our Government is investing in affordable housing to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for families who need it most. This funding will help people in Vernon access safe and affordable housing that meets their needs.”

Eric Foster, MLA for Vernon Vernon-Monashee –

“As our population ages, it’s important for us to work together to support low-income seniors and people with disabilities so they can continue to live in comfort. This development was designed to meet the accessibility needs of tenants to promote safe and independent living.”

Mayor Akbal Mund, City of Vernon –

“The City of Vernon is pleased to support organizations like Vernon Native Housing Society. We applaud its innovative approach to creating more affordable housing options that support some of our most vulnerable citizens.”

Karen Gerein, General Manager, Vernon Native Housing Society –

“The official opening of Tanner Terrace is a significant milestone for us. The project inception began in 2012. Today, we announce the completion of a townhouse with a mix of accessible and adaptable units that will target Aboriginal People in need.”

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 $4.9 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

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