Families and single people with low to moderate incomes will benefit from a new 132-unit affordable housing development just completed in Langford.

Millstream Ridge is a partnership between the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the Capital Regional District (CRD) and consists of two six-storey rental buildings at 713 and 715 Treanor Ave. New occupants are expected to move in on March 1, 2019.

Thirty of the 132 apartments are funded by the Regional Housing First Program, for people who can live independently with supports. Rents match the current provincial income assistance shelter rates.

The building includes 37 affordable rental units and 65 units at near-market rental rates. Tenancy applications for the affordable and near-market units are being accepted by the Capital Region Housing Corporation that operates the buildings.

This energy-efficient project will consume 13.2% less energy and produce 9.4% fewer greenhouse gases than similar buildings, which will further reduce the cost of operating and utility expenses for tenants.

The $90-million Regional Housing First Program is an equal partnership agreement between CRD, the B.C. government through BC Housing and the federal government though the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. The program was initiated to create more affordable rental housing and address the needs of people experiencing homelessness in the capital region.

Quotes:

Jean-Yves Duclos, federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation –

“With initiatives like the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund, through our government’s National Housing Strategy, we’re collaborating with partners at the provincial and municipal levels to take concrete steps to reduce chronic homelessness in the capital region. Millstream Ridge’s mixed-market approach is a common-sense solution to Langford’s housing affordability challenges, and I am certain these safe and affordable homes will have a positive effect on residents and the community for generations to come.”

Premier John Horgan, MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca –

“Providing safe, affordable housing for people is one of our government’s top priorities. Everyone deserves a secure place to call home, and together with our partners we are delivering brand-new homes for families and single people on the West Shore.”

Colin Plant, board chair, Capital Regional District –

“This is the first project to open its doors as part of the Regional Housing First Program. This innovative approach uses a mixed-market model and recognizes the immediate need for more affordable housing in our region, supporting the CRD board’s commitment to community well-being.”

Mayor Stewart Young, City of Langford –

“Providing a steady housing supply for hardworking families, reducing red tape and delivering fast approvals remains one of city council’s highest priorities, and we welcome the addition of these 132 units to our affordable housing stock. Langford is pleased to be able to provide a safe neighbourhood within a family-oriented community for the Regional Housing First Program.”

Quick Facts:

• The Regional Housing First Program partnership is expected to create up to 2,000 rental units.
  • 20% of the units will be rented at provincial income assistance rates within projects that will include at least 31% affordable rental units and up to 49% near-market rental units on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
• This housing development brings the total number of projects supported by the Regional Housing First Program to seven, which will create 760 units:
  • Langford – three projects (Millstream Ridge, Hockley, Spencer) 382 units
  • Salt Spring Island – one project (Croftonbrook) 52 units
  • Sooke – two projects (Drennan, Throup) 244 units
  • Victoria – one project (Cedar Grove) 82 units
• Millstream Ridge, combined with the six previously announced projects, brings the estimated Regional Housing First Program's contribution amount to $44 million of the $90-million total.
• Supportive housing is based on the Housing First model – a proven strategy helping many people find and maintain stable homes, improving their quality of life, and reducing their use of health and social services in the long term. This improvement on the old treatment-only approach is supported by research and real-world results, including an extensive four-year study across Canada:
  https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/document/24376/national-homechez-soi-final-report

Learn More:

To find out more about the National Housing Strategy, visit: www.placetocallhome.ca

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

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