Construction is underway on over 40 new affordable rental homes for families, seniors and people with disabilities in Powell River.

The project is through a partnership between the Province and the Powell River Inclusive Housing Society (PRIHS).

“We know that there’s a real need for more affordable housing and people are struggling to stay in the communities they call home,” said Nicholas Simons, MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast. “These new homes will benefit the community for years to come, giving people good, safe and affordable homes close to their friends, family, work and the services they count on.”

Located on the 4800-4900 block of Ontario Avenue, the four-storey wood-frame apartment building will provide 42 new affordable homes for families, seniors and people with disabilities. The project will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom homes, with four fully accessible two-bedroom homes. Residents will also have access to an indoor amenity space equipped with a communal kitchen, as well as a playground, a picnic area, a community garden and a basketball court.

“It’s really great news that construction is starting on this much needed development,” said Dave Formosa, mayor, Powell River. “The city has been proud to work with the B.C. government, BC Housing and Inclusion Powell River in seeing this project come to fruition and address the affordable housing needs of our community’s residents. Many thanks to all for making this happen.”

Monthly rents for the new homes will range from approximately $765 for a one-bedroom to $951 for a three-bedroom unit.

The affordable units will be managed by PRIHS (previously known as Inclusion Powell River Society), a local non-profit with experience managing affordable rental housing and success working with people living with disabilities.

“We are so excited that the construction has started and that we will be able to provide 42 units of affordable housing in about a year,” said Lilla Tipton, CEO, PRIHS. “This housing is very much needed in our community and will offer four fully accessible units for persons with physical disabilities. Now that this step is underway, we will be finalizing our operational policies and procedures and getting ready to interview our future tenants.”

These new homes are expected to open in fall 2021.

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 is investing approximately $16.1 million toward the project.
• Including these new affordable homes, there are more than 300 homes completed or underway on the Sunshine Coast:
  • 118 homes for low to moderate income earners
  • 115 homes for people experiencing homelessness
  • 34 homes for women and their children leaving violence
  • 34 on-reserve homes for Indigenous peoples, in partnership with the Shishalah First Nation

Learn More:

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 find out what the Province is doing to improve housing affordability, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/bc-government-addressing-housing-affordability-challenges

A backgrounder follows.