Low- to moderate-income people in Salmon Arm are moving into 32 safe and affordable rental homes, with the first phase of a new housing development opening in the community.

“This development will help more than 100 families and individuals in Salmon Arm find safe and affordable homes,” said David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing. “These new homes reflect the commitment our government has made to working with municipalities and community partners to open affordable housing that has the power to transform lives.”

Located at 540 3rd St., Larch Place is the first phase of a 105-unit housing development on a two-acre lot. It provides one-, two- and three-bedroom homes.

These new affordable rental homes are available to individuals, seniors and families with low to moderate incomes. The monthly rents are:

• four one-bedroom units for people with low incomes (i.e., seniors on fixed incomes and people receiving income assistance): $375
• 20 rent-geared-to-income units (people with low to moderate incomes): $564 (one bedroom) to $838 (three bedrooms)
• eight market rental units: approximately $875 (one bedroom) to $1,250 (three bedrooms)

A second building with another 35 homes, including several four-bedroom suites for families, is under construction and expected to open in summer 2021. The Province is providing a total of $6.7 million for both buildings through the Building BC: Community Housing Fund.

A third building with 38 homes with 24/7 support for people experiencing homelessness is anticipated to open in fall 2021. Once complete, all housing on the site will be run by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Shuswap-Revelstoke.

People started moving into Larch Place on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021.

Quotes:

Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee –

“These 32 affordable rental homes are a welcome addition to the community. This project demonstrates our government’s commitment to work in partnership to build the homes people need in communities throughout the province. Homes fulfill our most basic human need. They gives us all a place to feel safe, comfortable, warm and grounded. Affordable housing helps people get a good start in life. Accessible housing removes barriers for people with mobility issues. Stable and secure options give women and children leaving violence somewhere to go. Supportive housing gives people the hand they need to start over while reducing homelessness and crime.”

Alan Harrison, mayor, City of Salmon Arm –

“The City of Salmon Arm enthusiastically welcomes the opening of Larch Place. We recognize the important opportunities that these affordable units will provide for our residents, and wish to thank our partners, the Province and Canadian Mental Health Association Shuswap-Revelstoke, for working with our community to bring this project to life.”

Dawn Dunlop, executive director, CMHA Shuswap-Revelstoke –

“We continually hear from people in our community who are struggling to find affordable housing due to the historically low vacancy rates in Salmon Arm. The new rental housing, as well as the supportive housing being built, will be a much-needed addition to the spectrum of housing in the community.”

Quick Facts:

• The Community Housing Fund is part of the Province’s 10-year, $7-billion housing plan.
• It is an investment of $1.9 billion to build more than 14,000 affordable rental homes for low- and moderate-income families and individuals over 10 years. More than 6,100 of these homes are already open, under construction or in development.
• The Community Housing Fund supports mixed-income buildings where 50% of the units are for households with annual incomes up to $64,000, 30% of the units are for households with incomes up to approximately $74,000, and 20% of the units are for households with very low incomes (including those on income or disability assistance).

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/