Families, seniors and people with disabilities with low to moderate incomes in Nelson are moving into 43 affordable rental homes, with the first affordable housing project opening in the community in almost 15 years.

“These homes will help make life much more affordable and secure for families, seniors and people with disabilities,” said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Nelson-Creston. “Thank you to the City of Nelson and Nelson CARES for partnering with us to deliver such a positive asset for the community.”

The Province, through BC Housing, provided $4.3 million to the project through the Building BC: Community Housing Fund, as well as approximately $11.6 million in repayable financing. As with all projects funded under the Community Housing Fund, rents at the building are based on household income:

• nine units for people with very low incomes (i.e., seniors on fixed incomes and people receiving income assistance): $375 to $660 per month;
• 20 rent-geared-to-income units (for people with low to moderate incomes): $650 to $950 per month;
• 12 market rental units: $975 to $1,625 per month; and
• two three-bedroom community living units for people with disabilities: $375 to $445 per month.

The homes will be owned and operated by Nelson CARES Society, a registered charity that has been operating housing in the community since 1974. The building is centrally located in Nelson’s downtown waterfront area, close to amenities, including a grocery store, community centre, the seniors’ society and recreation opportunities.

Residents will finish moving into the building by the end of June.

Quotes:

Ron Little, board chair, Nelson CARES Society –

“We want to live in a community that cares, and we know that safe, affordable housing is the best demonstration of that vision. We want to give heartfelt thanks to BC Housing and the Columbia Basin Trust for providing financial support for this mixed market development at 205 Hall St. in Nelson.”

John Dooley, mayor, City of Nelson –

“Council is thrilled to see another development built to support the needs of a wide range of our population in attaining affordable housing. We are also happy that this development will offer some much-needed market-priced housing to address the low vacancy rates in our community. City councils, past and present, have a long history of working effectively with groups like Nelson CARES to bring new rental housing to our community."

Johnny Strilaeff, president and CEO, Columbia Basin Trust –

“We know there is increased demand for affordable and accessible housing options in Nelson and communities throughout the basin. This project is a perfect fit of building community and social supports, while providing a range of living options for residents of the region. Congratulations to all the partners and staff who have made this project a reality.”

Quick Facts:

• The Columbia Basin Trust contributed a grant of $542,400 for construction costs.
• The Community Housing Fund (CHF) is part of the Province’s 10-year, $7-billion housing plan.
• The CHF 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/