Individuals and families in Quesnel soon will have access to new affordable rental housing, thanks to a partnership between the B.C. government and the City of Quesnel to rezone and relocate the Seasons House shelter.

The repurposed shelter will be developed into a three-storey, 30-unit affordable rental housing project for those at risk of homelessness, including two units on the ground floor to be used as shelter beds.

“We are committed to supporting those who are at risk of homelessness,” said Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development and Responsible for Housing. “This development will provide stability and opportunities for individuals and families by providing them with safe, affordable rental housing.”

The Province has committed $6 million in capital funding for the project, which will be operated by the Quesnel Shelter and Support Society.

“This project will make a significant difference for those who will call it home and for the community of Quesnel as a whole,” said Coralee Oakes, MLA for Cariboo North. “I look forward to seeing construction begin and we will continue to work with our partners to increase the supply of affordable housing in the area.”

“We’re excited to partner with the Province and are looking forward to the start of construction on this important redevelopment,” said Sandy Brunton, board director, Quesnel Shelter and Support Society. “The new building will provide much-needed supports for the most vulnerable people in our city.”

BC Housing is working with the City of Quesnel on the rezoning and community consultation process. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2017.

Additional government funding is also going towards renovating the Amata Transition House in Quesnel, which provides shelter to women and children who have experienced violence or are at risk of experiencing violence.

The B.C. and federal governments have provided approximately $126,500 to Amata Transition House Society to complete a kitchen renovation, bathroom updates and repairs, security and lighting upgrades and to replace some of the windows.

“We are very appreciative of the government funding we have recently received to complete our closed kitchen renovation, enabling us to meet provincial health and safety standards,” said Cheryl Weaver, executive director, Amata Transition House Society. “Guests at Amata will no longer have to eat dinner in shifts when the house is full, due to the enlarged dining space. This helps our facility function more safely and effectively.”

Women’s transition houses provide a valuable short-term solution for women and children fleeing violence. Last year, more than 12,300 women and children were assisted by provincially funded transition houses, second stage housing and safe homes.

Key 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 throughout B.C. over the next few years.
• Last year, the B.C. government invested more than $3.1 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 310 households in Quesnel.

Learn More:

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

For more information on affordable housing programs and the Province’s efforts to end homelessness in B.C., please visit:  www.housingmattersbc.ca/factsheets.html and www.bchousing.org

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