People with low to moderate incomes, including Indigenous peoples, seniors and families, now have access to 68 new rental homes with the opening of two affordable housing projects in Quesnel.

On July 25, 2019, community partners celebrated the official opening of both projects, which began welcoming tenants earlier this year.

Located at 424 McLean St., Dakelh & Quesnel Community Housing Society’s new development provides 38 units, including 11 accessible units for Indigenous Elders, as well as seniors and families. The four-storey building is comprised of studios and one- and two-bedroom units. Monthly rents range from $375 for a studio unit to $950 for a two-bedroom unit.

Seniors in the community are also benefiting from new affordable rental homes at 255 McNaughton Ave. Quesnel Lions Housing Society is operating the four-storey building, which features 30 one-bedroom units designed and built to adaptable and accessible standards. Monthly rent is $575.

Quotes:

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

“Our government is investing in affordable housing in Quesnel to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for those who need it most. I’d like to recognize Dakelh and Quesnel Community Housing Society and the Quesnel Lions Housing Society, which rose to the challenge to tackle housing affordability. Because of their combined efforts, 68 new affordable rental homes are now available. This is a big boost to hard-working families, seniors and Elders from this tight-knit community.”

Selina Robinson, B.C.’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing –

“These much-needed homes will offer more people in Quesnel the peace of mind that comes from having a good place to call home. Our government is proud to be working in partnership with local organizations to make sure people have access to truly affordable and secure housing in the community they call home.”

Bob Simpson, mayor, City of Quesnel –

“These brand new affordable rental units are a welcome addition to Quesnel’s rental market. Families, young adults and people on fixed incomes now have more choices when it comes to finding a long-term home.”

Luanne Ruotsalainen, executive director, Dakelh & Quesnel Community Housing Society –

“We are honoured to bring 38 new affordable homes to Quesnel offering a variety of options including accessible housing for the people we serve. The project is the result of partnerships with the province, the city and other stakeholders, and it’s a true demonstration of what can be built when we work together.”

Margaret Pfoh, chief executive officer, Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) –

“Dakelh & Quesnel Community Housing Society are strong and diverse members of AHMA and they have worked relentlessly to bring Kikihnaw to life, and it’s a remarkable achievement. These 38 new homes will improve a major gap in housing needs within the area and are an important contribution to empowering our Indigenous communities. Luanne Ruotsalainen and her team have successfully created a safe, inclusive and welcome place for Elders and families to call home and AHMA is honoured to welcome all residents to the community. We’d also like to thank the City of Quesnel, our community partners and the provincial government for not only their commitment to housing, but for their efforts to continue to honour reconciliation.”

Mitch Vik, president, Quesnel Lions Housing Society –

“The Quesnel Lions Hosing Society is so very proud to officially open Silver Manor. It has truly been a grass roots endeavour eight years in the making. The Quesnel Lions had a dream of taking on a major project that would benefit our community. We’d like to thank all the Lions Club members who put in thousands of volunteer hours to help realize this dream. We would also like to offer special and heartfelt thanks to the federal and provincial governments, the City of Quesnel and our community partners. Thank you for believing in this project and seeing its potential.”

Quick Facts:

• Funding for 424 McLean St.:
  • The Government of Canada, through CMHC, and the Government of British Columbia, through BC Housing, jointly contributed approximately $1.6 million under the Social Infrastructure Fund. CMHC also provided $25,000 in seed funding.
  • The Province also provided a $5.5 million grant. 
  • The City of Quesnel provided municipal waivers in the amount of approximately $47,000.
  • The society provided $540,000 and the land valued at approximately $165,000.
• Funding for 255 McNaughton Ave.:
  • The Government of Canada, through CMHC, and the Government of British Columbia, through BC Housing, jointly contributed approximately $307,000 under the Social Infrastructure Fund.
  • The Province also provided a $4.8 million grant, as well as interim construction financing of $1.6 million.
• The Government of Canada is currently rolling out its National Housing Strategy, a 10-year, $55-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%.
• 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.

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

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