Municipal Affairs
Close to 40 new supportive homes are coming to Surrey as construction has begun on Peterson Place, providing permanent homes for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
“When people have housing and the supports they need, it makes our community safer and healthier,” said Bruce Ralston, MLA for Surrey-Whalley. “Everyone deserves good, secure housing and this project will provide permanent homes for people to call their own.”
Located at 13245 King George Blvd., Peterson Place will consist of 38 studio units, each with a private washroom and kitchen. The building will also include a commercial kitchen, dining and lounge areas, storage and amenity space, laundry and a medical room.
Peterson Place is part of a commitment between the Province and the City of Surrey to deliver 250 permanent supportive modular homes to replace the current temporary sites in the community. Peterson Place is the first project under construction as part of this commitment.
“With construction beginning today on Peterson Place, we are on our way to providing permanent, safe and meaningful housing to our most vulnerable residents,” said Doug McCallum, mayor of Surrey. “This project illustrates the dedication of various levels of government and organizations working together to end the cycle of homelessness. I want to thank everyone involved for bringing this project from idea to reality.”
Fraserside Community Services Society (FCSS) will operate the new housing with supports. It will provide residents with 24/7 on-site staff and support services, including meal programs, life and employment skills training, health and wellness support services and opportunities for volunteer work.
"We are thrilled that even during these uncertain pandemic times, this project is moving ahead,” said Lynda Edmonds, CEO of FCSS. “We are thankful that the Province and the City of Surrey recognize the importance of safe and secure housing for people experiencing homelessness. The addition of 38 new units and the expansion of on-site services, including access to daily meals and counselling, will have a significant and positive impact on the lives of residents at Peterson Place and in creating broader communities of belonging for all people in Surrey."
Construction is expected to be complete by the end of summer 2020, with residents moving in during the fall.
Delivering affordable housing is a shared priority between government and the BC Green Party caucus and is part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement.
Quick Facts:
- The Province will provide $11.3 million to the project as part of the Homelessness Action Plan, as well as a startup budget of $100,000 and an annual ongoing operating subsidy of $732,000.
- In addition to these homes, the Province has worked with partners to open 161 supportive homes for people experiencing homelessness in Surrey over the last two years. An additional 330 supportive homes are currently underway.
- Nearly 2,700 spaces in hotels, motels and community centres throughout B.C. have been secured for vulnerable people to reside during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Surrey, BC Housing has secured 206 spaces to date for vulnerable people in the community.
Learn More:
For more information on how BC Housing is supporting British Columbians during the COVID-19 outbreak, visit: https://www.bchousing.org/COVID-19/
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.
