Single mothers with children and other vulnerable women are benefiting from new affordable rental housing at Rosalie’s Village in Saanich, which celebrated its official opening today.

Located at 4351 West Saanich Rd., the development is a four-storey, 42-unit building that includes a 37-space day care, a community kitchen and access for tenants to on-site support, such as employment and life-skills training.

The day care can accommodate 37 children five years of age and under. Up to 20 children who are residents at Rosalie’s Village are able to benefit from the day care, free of charge.

The location of the Rosalie’s Village development gives residents easy access to health services, several restaurants, a shopping centre and Brydon Park, which includes a playground and a sports court.

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul of Vancouver Island is managing and operating the building.

Quotes:

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

“Every segment of our society must be treated with dignity and respect and be given the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution. The Government of Canada is pleased to partner with Rosalie's Village on this terrific new project that will provide important services to this community, such as ensuring that single mothers and their children have a safe, secure roof over their head.”

Rich Coleman, B.C. Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for Housing –

“Our government is committed to partnerships that offer meaningful housing solutions that benefit British Columbians who may be facing a diverse range of challenges. Rosalie’s Village, which has delivered new homes for women with children and vulnerable women, is a great example of this type of investment in action.”

Mayor Richard Atwell, District of Saanich –

“We’re delighted to be here for the official opening of this new rental housing development, one which will improve the quality of life for local women and children in need.”

Barbara Desjardins, board chair, Capital Regional District –

“We could not be more delighted with the results of our $630,000 investment in this project, which is just part of our commitment to affordable housing. Rosalie’s Village looks great and will provide safe and happy homes for women and children.”

Angela Hudson, executive director, Society of Saint Vincent de Paul of Vancouver Island –

 “The completion of Rosalie’s Village is another example of our commitment to providing innovative solutions to community housing needs. As we approach or centenary of service to vulnerable populations, we thank again all our partners in the community and the local governments for helping to bring this vision to life.”

Quick Facts:

The total funding for this project is approximately $14 million.

• The governments of Canada and B.C. provided combined funding of $4 million through the Extension to the Canada-B.C. Agreement for Investment in Affordable Housing.
• The Government of Canada provided $400,000 through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy.
• The Government of B.C. provided construction financing of close to $10 million.
• The District of Saanich, through the Affordable Housing Fund, contributed $172,262 and the Capital Regional District provided $630,000.
• The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul of Vancouver Island provided up to $1.6 million through fundraising and the land valued at nearly $1.3 million.
• The City of Victoria gave the Society a grant of more than $275,000 from its affordable housing fund.

Learn More:

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

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