The Government of British Columbia is partnering with the Kootenay Region Association for Community Living and the Columbia Basin Trust, to build and manage nine new affordable rental units in Creston designed for low-income adults with disabilities.

“Affordable housing is the foundation of healthy communities, and these new homes will have a big impact for the people who live in them,” said Michelle Mungall, MLA for Nelson-Creston.

The project is located at 849 Erickson Rd., a 26-acre site owned by the association, which is home to a variety of social enterprises. The site’s Cedar Linden building will undergo renovations to create six one-bedroom and three two-bedroom units built to adaptability and accessibility standards that meet the needs of low-income renters with a disability. A new common lounge, kitchen and outdoor deck will also be included in the building renovation.

The rental units will be managed by the Kootenay Region Association for Community Living, which submitted the original project proposal to BC Housing.

“BC Housing and the trust are helping us to turn a building that was long past its useful life into safe, secure, affordable housing for some of the Kootenays' most vulnerable citizens,” said Alex Nilsson, chair, Kootenay Region Association for Community Living.

The Province is investing $2.3 million in capital and construction costs, and will provide additional annual operating funding to the association. The Columbia Basin Trust is also supporting this project, with a $250,000 grant that will be invested into the renovation.

“This project is part of the support we are providing communities to increase the availability of affordable housing in the region,” said Johnny Strilaeff, president and CEO, Columbia Basin Trust. “This funding will help provide low-cost housing to vulnerable residents in the Creston community, and is one of many ways we are working with basin communities.”

Construction, as well as tenant selection, is expected to be complete by fall 2019.

Quick Facts:

• To address the issue of housing affordability and availability for British Columbians, the Province is curbing speculation in B.C.’s housing market and building 114,000 affordable market rental, non-profit, supported social housing and owner-purchase housing through direct government investments and partnerships.
• Budget 2018 launched the largest investment in housing affordability in B.C. history — more than $7 billion over 10 years.

Learn More:

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

For actions the Province is taking to improve housing affordability, visit: news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/bc-government-addressing-housing-affordability-challenges