People struggling with homelessness in Terrace will soon have access to new supportive housing thanks to a partnership between the B.C. government and the City of Terrace to develop a new modular-housing project in the community.

“We recognize the urgent need to create safe and affordable housing for individuals experiencing homelessness in Terrace and across British Columbia,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Our government is taking swift action, providing modular units people can call home that will allow them to live in dignity and give them a chance at a better life.”

This is part of the Province’s plan to construct 2,000 modular-housing units throughout B.C. over two years, working in partnership with local governments who are interested in modular housing in their communities.

“British Columbians deserve access to supports and services that provide dignity and security,” said Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “These new units will give people a safe place to live and the supports they need to stabilize and rebuild their lives. I’m grateful to the people and organizations in Terrace that have come together to help us get this project underway.”

The B.C. government is allocating close to $8 million towards the creation of up to 52 units of permanent modular housing, which has been proposed for 4519 and 4523 Olson Ave. The city has started the rezoning process for the site.

“This modular-housing program is a critical step towards supporting our most vulnerable citizens and providing them with affordable, quality housing,” said Carol Leclerc, mayor of Terrace. “This program provides 24/7 support staffing to address the challenges our homeless and low-income residents experience in accessing safe and secure housing. Council recognizes that the City of Terrace has a significant need for transitional-housing units and we look forward to partnering with the Province to implement this program in an efficient and timely manner.”

As part of the rezoning, the city will send out notices for a public hearing scheduled for Dec. 11, 2017. Community input from residents and businesses will be an integral component to implementing modular housing in Terrace.

BC Housing is currently working on identifying a housing operator.

Quick Facts:

• The B.C. government is investing $291 million to build 2,000 modular-housing units for people who are homeless and more than $170 million over three years to provide 24/7 staffing and support services.
• The Province will be working with local governments and community partners to develop a homelessness action plan to reduce homelessness through permanent housing and services.