Families and individuals in the Tri-Cities community will benefit from 55 new affordable rental homes as construction gets underway on redevelopment of a former church property.

The new development is a partnership between the Province, Catalyst Community Developments Society, St. Andrew’s-IOCO United Church, Kinsight and Share Family & Community Services Society.

“This affordable housing will offer welcome relief for families in the Tri-Cities region, especially families caring for children with disabilities, without losing the community space and services provided through the United Church,” said Rick Glumac, MLA for Port Moody-Coquitlam, on behalf of Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “It’s another successful partnership between the Province, local government, faith-based groups and the non-profit community to provide much-needed homes and create a connected, caring community.”

Located at 2318 St. Johns St. in Port Moody, The Springs will provide 55 new affordable homes for low- to moderate-income individuals and families. The building will have a mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom homes operated by two non-profit societies — Catalyst Community Development and St. Andrew’s Port Moody Housing.

The site will also include space for the redeveloped St. Andrew’s-IOCO United Church and the new Tri-Cities Children’s Centre operated by Kinsight and Share Family & Community Services Society. The Tri-Cities Children’s Centre will provide services and programming for families of children with developmental delays and disabilities.

Construction is underway and the building is expected to be complete by summer 2021.

Delivering affordable housing is a shared commitment between government and the BC Green Party Caucus and is a part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement.

Quotes:

Meghan Lahti, acting mayor, City of Port Moody —

“Our council is committed to making sure housing in Port Moody meets the diverse and emerging needs of our current and future residents. We’re extremely pleased to support this new, innovative development through a grant from our Affordable Housing Reserve Fund, as we believe projects like The Springs will help to create a more liveable and inclusive community.”

Helen Lui, Catalyst Community Developments Society —

“The Springs is a great project that really highlights a community partnership and benefit. It allows the partners to deliver each of their core missions while coming together as a community.”

Julie Lebrun, minister for St. Andrew’s-IOCO United Church —

“By working with Catalyst and our other community partners, we are able to create much needed affordable rental housing. Together, we accomplish much more than any one organization working alone. This groundbreaking is a wonderful milestone. We look forward to opening the doors of our new church space and continue to live out our mission to serve the community under the new roof of The Springs building.”

Christine Scott, chief executive officer of Kinsight –

“Over the past 15 years, we have worked closely with families in the Tri-Cities to create a child development hub that brings together the services they require from organizations they trust. Together, Kinsight and Share have more than 100 years’ experience serving our community, and we look forward to joining our Springs partners to create a development that welcomes all people.”

Claire MacLean, Share Family & Community Services Society –

“The children’s centre will be a game changer for families living in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody and surrounding areas. The centre will be a one-stop hub where families will feel welcomed, and where their children can get the specialized services and supports they need to reach their full potential.”

Quick Facts:

• The Province, through BC Housing, provided approximately $9.5 million in capital funding and construction financing for the project.
• The City of Port Moody provided $528,000 through the Port Moody Affordable Housing Reserve.
• The land, valued at $4.3 million, was provided by the BC Conference Property Development Council of the United Church of Canada and was the former site of St. Andrew’s United Church Port Moody.
• Projected rents for the new affordable housing units include four units offered at shelter rate – $375 per month for two studio units and two two-bedroom units at $750 per month. The remaining projected rent rates range from $1,069 to $1,751 per month.
• In addition to these 55 homes in Port Moody, the Province is working in partnership to increase the supply of affordable rental supply in the Tri-Cities through the Building BC funds. Nearly 400 homes are underway:
  • Community Housing Fund: 376 mixed-income rental homes for individuals, families and seniors.
  • Indigenous Housing Fund: 16 affordable rental homes for Indigenous peoples.
  • Supportive Housing Fund: six supportive homes for people experiencing homelessness.

Learn More:

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 projects is available online: https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC

A backgrounder follows.