New provincial investments in modular housing are creating thousands of new jobs and boosting local economies throughout the province.

“We are building our economy by building the homes people need,” said Premier John Horgan. “Local companies like Horizon North are already hiring more people, thanks to our investments in housing – and there are more to come. We expect to create 2,050 direct and indirect jobs as we tackle the homelessness crisis.”

Announced through the Budget 2017 Update, the Province is providing $291 million to build 2,000 units of modular supportive housing over two years.

“The new jobs emerging from our investment are already being seen through our Building BC Rapid Response to Homelessness program,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “With 2,000 units of modular housing in development in communities throughout British Columbia, this program alone is adding jobs through the use of B.C. manufacturers and the employment of skilled workers in the province.”

Manufacturers from Kelowna, Penticton, Courtenay, Westbank, and Kamloops are building the modular units, supporting the stability and growth of their local business.

“Housing assistance for vulnerable citizens requires courage and conviction to tackle the problem and a commitment to a solution from all parties,” said Rod Graham, president and chief executive officer of Horizon North.

“Using our two modular manufacturing facilities in British Columbia, Horizon North is committed to playing a critical role in the provincial government’s objective of addressing the gap in accommodations for people in need. In part because of the strong support and vision of BC Housing, we have increased our British Columbia personnel headcount across all aspects of our business over the last 12 months. Our recent acquisition of 35,000 square feet of manufacturing space in Aldergrove brings an additional 31 employees into our organization, and we continue to seek talented tradespeople in Aldergrove and Kamloops to fill new and established positions.”

Quick Facts:

• For the 2,000 modular units, the number of direct jobs is estimated at 1,400, with another 650 jobs in supplier industries.
• Horizon North is building a total of 114 new supportive homes for two sites in Kamloops. The first site at Victoria Street West will feature 52 units for people experiencing homelessness, while the second site at Tranquille Road will feature 62 units. Both projects are expected to be complete before winter 2018.
• Due to the success of the modular housing program and interest from B.C. communities, an additional 2,500 new homes with 24/7 support services were announced as part of Budget 2018.
• BC Housing will be putting out a proposal call in the coming weeks for non-profits and local governments to partner under the 2,500-unit homeless initiative.
• The estimated number of jobs created is based on a formula provided by BC Stats. This is the government standard for determining the impact of construction projects on jobs and gross domestic product.
• The calculation uses specific ratios per-million of construction output for direct, indirect and induced employment.

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

To find out what the Province is doing to improve housing affordability, visit: news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/bc-government-addressing-housing-affordability-challenges

A backgrounder follows.