Families with low-to moderate-incomes will benefit from 20 units of affordable rental housing, thanks to a new agreement between the B.C. government and the City of Kelowna.

Located at 170 Drysdale Blvd., the project will include two and three bedroom town-home units of affordable-rental housing for families. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2017, with completion anticipated for fall 2018.

Following the September 2016 announcement of a $500 million investment in affordable-rental housing, the Province has committed $2.4 million in capital funding towards the project. The City of Kelowna is providing approximately $750,000 in land contributions.

BC Housing will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for qualified non-profit organizations and co-operatives to submit proposals to design, construct and operate the affordable-rental housing project.

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

Quotes:

Premier Christy Clark, MLA Westside-Kelowna – 

“Our government made the largest single-year investment in affordable housing in Canadian history because we believe all British Columbians deserve a place to call their own. This means 20 more families will have a home they can afford.”

Norm Letnick, MLA Kelowna-Lake Country –

“We are committed to providing housing options for all British Columbians – affordable housing for young growing families can be particularly challenging, and we’re pleased to address this need in Kelowna with 20 units of affordable rental housing through our partnership with the city.”

Steve Thomson, MLA for Kelowna-Mission –

“The Province is making a significant commitment to help increase affordable housing options for families in need by partnering with the City of Kelowna and community groups to develop new housing. This agreement will change the lives of the people who will call this place home.”

Mayor Colin Basran, City of Kelowna –

“This is great news – this much-needed family housing will provide relief for those looking for units large enough to accommodate a parent with children. And it’s another great example of the City of Kelowna and BC Housing using this model to add to our stock of affordable housing options.”

Key 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 B.C. government invested over $14.9 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 3,100 Kelowna households.

Learn More:

The RFP will be available at MERX Canadian Public Tenders: http://www.merx.com/bch.

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

Follow BC Housing on Twitter: @BC_Housing