Office of the Premier
Low- to moderate-income families, individuals, seniors and adults with disabilities in Saanich will soon have access to over 70 new affordable homes thanks to a partnership between the Province, the Capital Regional District (CRD) and the Capital Region Housing Corporation (CRHC).
“Affordable housing is needed in our community now more than ever,” said Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South. “These 73 new homes will make a big difference and provide security and peace of mind for the people who will call this building home.”
Located at 3816 Carey Rd., Westview is a four-storey, wood-frame building with 73 homes. The building provides studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments. Fifteen of the homes will be for people with very low incomes (rented at the provincial income assistance rate); 29 will be rent-geared-to-income units (where people with low to moderate incomes will pay 30% of their income); and 29 will be rented at affordable rates. Westview is located near community facilities, retail areas and transit.
The CRHC will own and operate the building and is partnering with the Independent Living Housing Society to provide five fully accessible ground-floor units, as well as an office for the society’s programming. The society will select residents for the five designated accessible units. The CRHC is also partnering with Threshold Housing Society to provide two units to youth at risk of homelessness.
Residents will begin moving into their new homes on May 15, 2020. To ensure resident safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, move-in dates and times are staggered to ensure residents have minimal contact with each other in hallways and elevators.
Quotes:
Lisa Helps, chair, CRHC –
“As the largest social housing provider in the region, the CRHC is proud to deliver affordable housing and services to almost 3,500 residents. We are a strong community partner that works collaboratively with stakeholders and tenants to build safe, vibrant and accessible communities like Westview.”
Fred Haynes, mayor of Saanich –
“The District of Saanich is delighted to be stepping up again with BC Housing and the CRD to enable more affordable homes. Saanich is already home to many supported, assisted and affordable homes. From the wonderful opportunities for co-op housing right through to homes, we are proud to be part of providing this support.”
Heidi Bada, board of directors president, Independent Living Housing Society –
“We are delighted to see Westview reaching the occupancy stage and are grateful for the opportunity to again collaborate with Capital Region Housing. Finding a place to live can be particularly challenging for people with disabilities especially when accessible housing is a necessary requirement. The Independent Living Housing Society believes that good living starts with home, and this housing development provides an opportunity for us to support more people with disabilities to make a home in this community.”
Colin Tessier, executive director, Threshold Housing Society –
“We are excited to partner with the Capital Region Housing Corporation on the Westview housing project. There is a desperate need for safe and affordable housing options for at-risk youth in our community, and this project is helping to address that critical need. Youth housed at Westview will receive robust support services and access to positive community through the Threshold support program. Access to safe housing and appropriate supports for at-risk youth is a key strategy to preventing future instances of adult homelessness.”
Quick Facts:
- The Province provided $8.5 million in construction financing and $7.1 million in grants.
- The Capital Regional District provided the land for the project and $1 million in cash equity.
- The Capital Region Housing Corporation is a wholly owned non-profit subsidiary of the CRD with a housing portfolio of 1,491 affordable housing units.
- Including these 73 homes, the Province is working in partnership to build more than 3,330 new affordable homes for people with a range of incomes in the CRD.
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/
For more information about the Capital Region Housing Corporation, visit: https://www.crd.bc.ca/crhc
To view a backgrounder: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/2020.05.13_BG_New_Housing.pdf
