Individuals, seniors, and families in need of affordable rental housing in Kelowna will soon have access to more than 130 new units of housing.

The Province has selected the following organizations to receive a total of $18.4 million in capital funding for new housing projects that will provide safe, affordable homes for people with low to moderate incomes:

• Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society – $8.2 million for a 42-unit housing project at 1759 Highway 33 East.
• Pathways Abilities Society – $3.2 million for a 22-unit housing project at 555 Fuller Ave.
• Society of Hope – $4.56 million for phase three of the Apple Valley Building (47 units) at 2075 Benvoulin Ct.
• City of Kelowna – $2.4 million for a 20-unit housing project at 170 Drysdale Blvd. After the project is developed, there will be an EOI issued for a non-profit society to operate the development in partnership with the city.

This follows two significant affordable housing investments announced by the Province this year totalling $855 million, including $500 million announced in September – the largest housing investment in a single year by any province in Canada.

BC Housing staff will work with the successful proponents to fully develop the project plans and ensure the proper rezoning and consultation is considered and confirmed before construction.

Quotes:

Premier Christy Clark, MLA for Westside-Kelowna –

“Our strong economy means we can focus on helping those who need it most. These investments will make a real difference in our community by adding to the number of affordable housing units, giving more families the security that comes with having a place to call home.“

Steve Thomson, MLA for Kelowna-Mission –

“With low rental vacancy rates in Kelowna, these new units will make a big difference to seniors seeking safe, affordable rental housing. It’s good to see our government helping to translate a strong economy and balanced budgets into improved quality of life for our seniors.”

Norm Letnick, MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country –

“These funds will make a big difference to individuals and families with limited incomes looking for an affordable way to stay in our community. Putting British Columbians first in line for affordable housing is a priority for our government, and I’m pleased to see this significant investment in our growing community.”

Mayor Colin Basran, City of Kelowna –

“This low-density multi-family project takes us another step further toward our goal of developing a variety of housing options to meet the diverse needs in our community. It’s great that this project is close to schools, shopping centres and transit services, so young families find everything they need right in their neighbourhood.”

Jeff Simla, president, Society of Hope –

“With hundreds of housing applications already on file, we are very grateful that the provincial government is supporting the expansion of 47 more apartments at Apple Valley.”

Edna Terbasket, executive director, Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society –

“The Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society is looking forward to continuing our partnership with the Province of British Columbia in bringing more urgently needed affordable rental housing to the City.”

Charisse Daley, executive director, Pathways Abilities Society –

“Pathways Abilities Society is very pleased and excited that our 555 Fuller Avenue rebuild project has been approved by BC Housing through the Housing Innovation Program. We are extremely grateful our government is committed to addressing the needs of individuals who have limited incomes and helping our society to create additional affordable housing options for our community.” 

Quick Facts:

• 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 a diverse range of provincial housing programs and services.
• Last year, the Province invested $14.9 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 3,100 households in Kelowna.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Province's actions on housing affordability, visit: http://housingaffordability.gov.bc.ca/