Low-income families in Kimberley now have access to 12 new affordable homes as a result of a partnership between the Province, the Government of Canada, the Columbia Basin Trust and the Kimberley Seniors Project Society.
Located at 630 Church Ave., New Pioneer Lodge was completed in November 2019 and includes six two-bedroom units and six three-bedroom units. The Kimberley Seniors Project Society owns and operates the project.
“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home,” said Ahmed Hussen, federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). “This is why we are pleased to announce the official opening of the New Pioneer Lodge, which adds 12 new affordable rental homes that will serve as a foundation for the families here to grow and flourish in the community. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this project a reality.”
Funding for the project was provided by the following:
- The Government of Canada, through CMHC. The Province jointly contributed $1.6 million through the Social Infrastructure Fund.
- The Province and Columbia Basin Trust provided $657,000 through the Columbia Basin Investment in Affordable Housing program.
- The Province also provided a grant of $100,000 through the Housing Endowment Fund and provided construction financing.
- Columbia Basin Trust provided an additional $250,000 for the project.
- Kimberley Seniors Project Society provided the land.
“No one should have to leave their community because they can’t find an affordable place to call home,” said Katrine Conroy, MLA for Kootenay West, Minister of Children and Family Development and Minister Responsible for Columbia Basin Trust. “This housing project will provide new opportunities, security and peace of mind for families in Kimberley. We are proud to be working in partnership to build thousands of homes like these for people throughout the province.”
Families started moving into their new homes in December 2019. Monthly rents are $750 per month for a two-bedroom unit and $850 per month for a three-bedroom unit.
The project is part of the more than 22,000 new homes that are complete 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:
Johnny Strilaeff, president and chief executive officer, Columbia Basin Trust —
“It’s exciting to see 12 families be able to access these new homes, which are a vital addition to the range of housing options in Kimberley. Congratulations to all who partnered on this project, including the governments of Canada and B.C. and the Kimberley Seniors Project Society. Together, we’re improving the quality of life in the Columbia Basin.”
Rick Rausch, president, Kimberley Seniors Project Society —
“Kimberley Seniors Project Society has been in this for the long haul. There has been a long-standing need in Kimberley for affordable housing for low-income families. The completion of this project is a good start towards meeting this need.”
Learn More:
CMHC: cmhc.ca
To find out more about the National Housing Strategy, visit www.placetocallhome.ca
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/
Two backgrounders follow.