Provincial funding of $5.1 million will bring over 60 new affordable homes for low-to moderate-income families and seniors at two new housing developments in Prince George.

Following the September 2016 announcement of a $500-million investment in affordable rental housing, the following projects will receive capital funding to proceed through the planning and development process:

• Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George’s new project at 1811 Spruce St., to provide up to 27 new rental homes for low-income seniors with a priority for Elders of Aboriginal ancestry. The Province has committed $3.5 million in capital funding for this project.
• Prince George and District Elizabeth Fry Housing Society’s housing project at 2744 and 2820 – 2880 on 15th Ave., to provide up to 35 affordable homes for low-to moderate-income families. The Province has committed $1.6 million in capital funding for this project.

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

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, MLA, Prince George-Valemount –

“This investment of more than $5 million will add 60 affordable living spaces in our community. We know that having a home is important to everyone and adding this capacity will make a difference. Thank you so much to the organizations who are working hard to reduce the struggle people have finding safe, affordable housing options.”

Mike Morris, MLA, Prince George-Mackenzie –

“Our community is growing and we need to continue to work with local governments and community organizations to build the infrastructure to accommodate the changing needs of our community. Both projects will add much needed affordable rental housing to the city.”

Mayor Lyn Hall, City of Prince George –

“Prince George City Council supports both new housing projects as they align with our goal of providing affordable and accessible housing for the residents of Prince George. The city intends to participate with a combination of land and tax exemptions. On behalf of council, I would like to congratulate both societies. We are pleased to be a partner on these exciting initiatives.”

Christos Vardacostas, executive director, Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George –

“This provincial funding commitment will bring us one step closer to construction of our new Elders’ housing project and meet our goal of providing more safe, healthy and affordable housing for Aboriginal people of low-incomes.”

Kathi Heim, executive director, Prince George and District Elizabeth Fry Housing Society –

“We’d like to thank the Province for investing in our project and helping bring new affordable homes to our community. We are eager to move plans forward for our new project and look forward to our groundbreaking day.”

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 more than $15.3 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for almost 1,900 households in Prince George.

Learn More:

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