New affordable rental housing is coming to Victoria and Salt Spring Island, thanks to a partnership between the Province, the Capital Regional District (CRD) and Island Health.

Following a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) issued in October 2016, two proponents have been selected to receive a total of $9.5 million under the Regional Housing First Program.

Victoria Cool Aid Society will receive $5 million in capital funding toward the redevelopment of an existing supportive housing development at Cedar Grove (210 Gorge Rd. East). The project will replace a 21 unit repurposed motel with a new affordable rental housing development of 82 units. The new building will include 32 units for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.

Island Women Against Violence will receive $4.5 million in capital funding toward a two-phase development providing upgrades to existing buildings at Croftonbrook, a five-acre parcel in Ganges Village on Salt Spring Island. An additional 52 new affordable rental units will be added to the existing 20 seniors’ rental units, including 18 units for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.

The Regional Housing First Program includes a commitment of up to $30 million in capital funding from the Province, with a matching contribution of $30 million from the CRD. The funding will be allocated over five years. Island Health will provide mental health and addiction services for projects where supports are required.

The Province’s contribution will be funded through the Provincial Investment in Affordable Housing Program, a $355 million dollar investment to create more than 2,000 units of affordable housing.

The EOI was issued to non-profit housing providers, the private sector and other community groups interested in creating affordable rental homes to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness in the region. The EOI also created an opportunity for projects that address the needs of low-to moderate-income families and individuals in the capital region.

The next proposal call is expected to take place in fall 2017.

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development and Minister Responsible for Housing –

“These projects will provide improved access to affordable housing for people in need in the capital region, and will make significant difference in the lives of those who call these places home.”

Terry Lake, Health Minister –

“The B.C. government is committed to providing the best supports for people facing challenges associated with mental illness and substance use, and the funding announced today will assist vulnerable residents of Victoria and Salt Spring Island with housing and additional supports.”

Barbara Desjardins, board chair, Capital Regional District –

“The development of these projects will add housing units to the existing housing stock that are critical to meeting the needs of people experiencing chronic homelessness in various parts of the region.”

Wayne McIntyre, electoral area director, Salt Spring Island, Capital Regional District –

“Housing solutions are needed in many different ways and all across our region. It is great news for Salt Spring Island that this worthy project is moving ahead, which includes critical support for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the Province has invested or committed to a total of $6.3 billion to provide affordable housing supply and access for low income individuals, seniors and families.
• This includes new investment commitments of $920 million to support the acquisition, construction and renovation of almost 5,300 housing units across B.C. over the next few years.
• More than 104,000 B.C. households benefit from a diverse range of provincial housing programs and services.
• Last year, the Province invested close to $53.9 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 10,520 households in the Capital Regional District.

Learn More:

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

For more information about services and supports for the homeless in Victoria, visit: www.housingmattersbc.ca/docs/fs_Homeless%20Supports_Victoria.pdf

For more about the Regional Housing First Program, visit: http://www.crd.bc.ca/project/regional-housing-first-program

Follow BC Housing on Twitter: @BC_Housing (twitter.com)