Seniors in Vancouver soon will have access to 137 new units of affordable rental housing.

Following a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) in April 2016, the B.C. government has selected the Fair Haven United Church Homes Society to receive funding for the redevelopment of the society’s seniors’ rental building at 6465 Vivian St. The 50-unit building will be replaced with 137 units of seniors’ rental housing in a new four-storey building.

The Province will provide $2 million in capital funding for the project, which is expected to be completed by summer 2019.

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

The EOI call was to solicit proposals under the Provincial Investment in Affordable Housing program, a $355-million investment by the B.C. government to create more than 2,000 affordable rental housing units throughout B.C.

In September 2016, the Province also announced a $500-million investment to create 2,900 new units of affordable housing, the largest housing investment in a single year by any province in Canada.

Quote:

Suzanne Anton, MLA for Vancouver-Fraserview –

“Not only will the affordable housing project at the Fair Haven United Church Society more than double its original capacity, but it will also allow seniors to live in comfort and security in a friendly and welcoming neighbourhood.”

Carol Mothersill, chief executive officer, Fair Haven United Church Homes Society –

“Fair Haven recognizes the significant need in our community for affordable housing for seniors. We are grateful for the support of the provincial government and very excited that we will be able to provide more affordable rental housing units to seniors in Vancouver.”

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 $207 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for close 27,700 households in Vancouver.

Learn More:

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