The first phase of a new affordable-housing project for families, seniors and people with disabilities is getting underway in Vancouver, in partnership with the Metro Vancouver Housing Corporation.

“When people have safe and affordable housing, they can focus on building the life they want for themselves and their families,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “This project will deliver the affordable homes people in Vancouver need, with easy access to community amenities, schools and transit.”

This is the first project to break ground as part of the Province’s commitment announced in September 2017, to build 1,700 affordable rental-housing units over the next four years.

Located in the heart of the Fairview neighbourhood at 725–799 W. 14th Ave., the redevelopment will replace 86 aging housing units with 230 new rental homes to provide affordable housing for people with a mix of incomes.

“For decades, Metro Vancouver Housing Corporation has provided high-quality, affordable rental housing in the region,” said Greg Moore, chair, Metro Vancouver. “Today, our 49 affordable-housing sites serve more than 9,400 residents, and we are constantly improving and expanding our portfolio. Redevelopment projects, like Heather Place, allow us to leverage opportunities to collaborate with member municipalities, the Province and the federal government to provide even more quality, affordable rental housing to the residents of Metro Vancouver.”

Phase 1 will include 67 homes of varying sizes, from studios to three-bedroom homes. Thirty of these homes will have rent geared to income with a projected range of approximately $380 to $1,100 per month. The remaining will be low-end market rentals, with rents projected to start at approximately $1,500 per month.

"This new project creates more than 200 urgently needed affordable homes in Fairview for people on low and modest incomes," said Gregor Robertson, mayor, City of Vancouver. "This is the type of housing supply Vancouver needs — rental homes for people who live and work locally. The city is dramatically boosting the right supply of homes for individuals and families who want to put down roots in our city, but we can't do it on our own. I want to recognize Metro Vancouver's major investment in these homes and the Province's leadership in stepping up and committing significant budget dollars to new affordable housing."

The new building will include a play court, community kitchen and meeting spaces. Phase 1 is expected to be complete by winter 2019.

Quick Facts:

• Heather Place is one of 49 affordable housing sites owned and operated by the Metro Vancouver Housing Corporation.
• Metro Vancouver's contribution to the first phase of the Heather Place redevelopment is $21.3 million.
• The B.C. government is providing approximately $6.7 million in capital funding for the first phase of the project.
• In addition to funding for 1,700 new affordable rental units announced in September, Budget 2018 launched the biggest investment in housing affordability in B.C. history — more than $7 billion over 10 years.
• The Province is curbing speculation in B.C.’s housing market and partnering to build 114,000 affordable homes, including market rental, non-profit, supported social housing, co-op and owner-purchase housing.

Learn More:

Read Homes for B.C., the government’s 30-point plan to address housing affordability for British Columbians: bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2018/homesbc/2018_Homes_For_BC.pdf