The Province is partnering with the City of Dawson Creek and the South Peace Community Resources Society (SPCRS) on a proposal to build 30 new supportive homes for people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
“The need for safe, secure and affordable housing has never been more clear,” said Selina Robinson, Minister for Municipal Affairs and Housing. “In partnership with the City of Dawson Creek and the South Peace Community Resources Society, we’re making sure the most vulnerable people in our communities have safe and affordable homes with wraparound support services that will help them move forward with their lives.”
A rezoning application has been submitted to the city, which is also providing the land for the project at 1024, 1028, 1032 and 1036 - 104 Ave. If approved, construction on the modular housing is expected to start in September 2020 with construction complete by early 2021.
“The City of Dawson Creek is very pleased to partner with the Province, through BC Housing, and the South Peace Community Resources Society to deliver much-needed housing for those who may be experiencing homelessness or other vulnerable populations in our city,” said Dale Bumstead, mayor, City of Dawson Creek. “We continue to strive to build a community with a great quality of life for all and this is one more step in that journey.”
SPCRS would oversee the day-to-day management of the building. Staff would be on site 24/7 and provide support services, such as two meals per day, access to health care services, and information on addictions assistance and employment.
“South Peace Community Resources Society is pleased to partner with BC Housing and the City of Dawson Creek to address homelessness in Dawson Creek,” said Arden Smith, department manager, SPCRS. “For several years, staff at South Peace Community Resources have identified the need for affordable housing options and for ways to support people who struggle to maintain housing. This is an opportunity to assist those in our community who need it most.”
Delivering affordable housing is a shared priority between government and the BC Green Party caucus, and is part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement.
Learn More:
To find out more about the project, ask questions and provide input, community members can connect with BC Housing here: https://letstalkhousingbc.ca/dawson-creek-104
BC Housing will reach out to the community with more options to engage over the coming weeks.
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 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.