Seniors in Peachland now have access to new affordable rental homes, thanks to a partnership between the governments of Canada and British Columbia, the District of Peachland, Peachland Seniors’ Support Society and community partners.

Stephen Fuhr, MP for Kelowna–Lake Country, on behalf of Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), along with Ronna-Rae Leonard, MLA for Courtenay-Comox, on behalf of Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Cindy Fortin, mayor, District of Peachland, made the announcement today.

Located at 4445 6th St., the Residences on 6th provide 74 homes, allowing seniors and people with disabilities on low and moderate incomes to live independently and stay connected to their community.

The building includes an amenities room, scooter storage and two elevators. The common amenity space is equipped with a residential-style kitchen and was designed for multi-purpose use, including socializing, learning seminars and information sessions.

Peachland Seniors’ Support Society is operating the five-storey building.

The Governments of Canada and British Columbia provided $6 million through the Social Infrastructure Fund. The Province also provided construction financing of $7.6 million. The District of Peachland provided the land and waived development cost charges.

Monthly rental rates range between $780 for a one-bedroom unit and up to $1,200 for a two-bedroom unit.

Quotes:

Stephen Fuhr, MP for Kelowna–Lake Country —

“I am delighted to see that construction is complete on this project. The opening of Residences on 6th brings more affordable housing to Peachland, allowing independent seniors to remain in the community close to family and friends. This important fellowship is crucial to the vitality and long-term health of our seniors.”

Ronna-Rae Leonard, MLA for Courtenay-Comox —

“Too many seniors, especially those on fixed incomes, are struggling to stay in their communities, close to friends and family. Thanks to the efforts of the many partners involved in this project, over 90 seniors now have an affordable home where they can age in place and stay connected to their support network.”

Cindy Fortin, mayor, District of Peachland —

“Thank you to the many people who have worked tirelessly over the years to bring the affordable seniors housing to fruition. That includes Peachland Seniors’ Support Society directors, District of Peachland staff, our MLA Dan Ashton and BC Housing. Being able to age in place is vital for the health and well-being of seniors, whose limitations, both physically and financially, can mean having to leave their friends and familiar surroundings to find accommodation in other communities. This new affordable housing building is truly a blessing for our community.”

Sharon Hallberg, board chair, Peachland Seniors’ Support Society —

“It is with a great deal of satisfaction and pride to see the completion of the Residences on 6th. Affordable housing for seniors is greatly needed in Peachland and now we have a place for them to call home.”

Quick Facts:

• The Government of Canada is currently rolling out its National Housing Strategy, a 10-year, $40-billion plan that will create 100,000 new housing units and lift 530,000 families out of housing need, as well as repair and renew more than 300,000 housing units and reduce chronic homelessness by 50%.
• Thanks to new investments proposed in Budget 2019, Canada’s National Housing Strategy will be a 10-year, $55-billion plan that will give more Canadians a place to call home.
• Under the National Housing Strategy, a target of 33% of all investments will support the unique needs of women and their children.
• To address the issue of housing affordability for British Columbians, the Government of B.C. is curbing speculation in the province’s housing market and building 114,000 affordable market rental, non-profit, supported social housing and owner-purchase housing through partnerships.
• Budget 2018 launched the most significant investment in housing affordability in B.C.'s history — more than $7 billion over 10 years. As a result of that investment, in less than two years, more than 20,000 new homes are complete, under construction or in the approvals process in communities throughout B.C., including 765 homes in the Okanagan region.

Learn More:

As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. For more information, visit: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/

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

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

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

A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available online: https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC

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