Low- to middle-income people in Kamloops will benefit from 112 new affordable rental homes.
“People in Kamloops deserve to have an affordable home close to friends and family,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “That’s why we are working hard with our partners to build homes that seniors and families can afford in their own communities throughout the province.”
The Province is partnering with Centre for Seniors Information Kamloops and Stoni Flats Developments to build the homes at 630 Victoria St. The six-storey wood frame building will feature a mix of studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments, including 12 two-bedroom homes, which will be available to families. The downtown location is ideal for an affordable seniors and family housing project, close to transit and walking distance to many amenities.
The society is receiving $11.2 million from the Province’s Building BC: Community Housing Fund, as well as annual operating funding, for the project.
This project is part of more than 22,000 new homes that are completed or underway throughout B.C. because of provincial investments.
Delivering affordable housing is a shared priority between government and the BC Green Party caucus and is part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement.
Quotes:
Ken Christian, mayor, City of Kamloops –
"The city is proud to support this project, which will provide affordable housing for seniors and families in our community. This project is in a great location and close to the many wonderful amenities downtown. We are pleased that valued senior members and families in our community will be offered an affordable place to call home."
Brenda Prevost, operations manager, Centre for Seniors Information Kamloops –
“This is a very exciting event for everyone involved. On almost a daily basis, the Centre for Seniors Information receives requests to help someone find available and affordable housing. From seniors to families, this accessible 112-unit housing complex in downtown Kamloops makes us one step closer to meeting the needs of many who face uncertainty and poverty to just have a safe and affordable home to live. Future tenants will also benefit from the opportunity to gain direct information about community programs and referral services offered by our organization.”
Spencer Illingworth, general manager, Stoni Flats Development Inc. –
“We are thrilled to be participating in a partnership that is driven to improving the quality of life for our seniors. We appreciate being provided the opportunity to bring our skills in developing the project through to realization, and see that the combination of high-quality retail space, combined with 112 residential units wrapped in an integrated development further contributes to the ongoing growth of the City of Kamloops.”
Quick Facts:
- This housing development is funded through the Building BC: Community Housing Fund, a $1.9-billion investment over 10 years to build more than 14,000 mixed-income rental homes throughout the province.
- The projected rent mix will be:
- 22 studios and one-bedroom units for seniors with low incomes (i.e., seniors on fixed incomes): $375;
- 56 rent-geared-to-income units (seniors with low to moderate incomes): approximately $700 (one-bedroom units and one-bedroom plus den units); and
- 34 middle-income units: approximately $1,000 (one-bedroom and one-bedroom plus den units) to $1,200 (two-bedroom units).
- The Province is working in partnership to increase the supply of affordable rental housing in Kamloops. Through government’s Building BC program, there are 478 homes completed or underway in Kamloops, with an additional 533 student homes being delivered at Thompson Rivers University.
Learn More:
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
To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians, visit: https://workingforyou.gov.bc.ca/
A backgrounder follows.