Construction is underway on a new affordable rental housing project that will provide 170 homes for a wide range of people with varying incomes in Sooke.

“Our government is committed to making life more affordable and building a strong recovery for everyone in B.C.,” said Premier John Horgan, MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca. “This new project will provide a wide range of housing options with more affordable monthly rents. We'll continue to work with our federal and community partners to build more affordable homes like these in Sooke and throughout British Columbia."

Located at 2075 Drennan St. and 6418 Sooke Rd., the combined lots will support a five-storey apartment building with a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom homes. The project will provide housing for Indigenous peoples, people with low to moderate incomes and people with disabilities.

The project is being built in partnership between the Province, M’akola Housing Society, the federal government and the Capital Regional District (CRD) through the Regional Housing First Program. The provincial and federal governments and the CRD are investing approximately $10.2 million for the project, while the society is contributing approximately $2.3 million. In addition, the Province is contributing an additional $1 million to improve the affordability of the project.

As part of its funding contribution, the Province is purchasing 29 units in the building so they can be reserved and rented to people with low incomes at the shelter rate. The society will own the remaining 141 units, which will be rented below market rates, and will operate all 170 homes.

The building is expected to open in fall 2023.

Quotes:

David Eby, B.C.’s Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing –

“This project is another example of how we’re working with our partners to provide safe and affordable homes for people in every corner of the province. These new homes will boost the supply of affordable housing options in Sooke and will provide more people and families the homes and support they need.”

Ahmed Hussen, federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation –

“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. That’s why our government is proud to invest in this important project, which will offer residents of Sooke more affordable housing options. This is the National Housing Strategy at work!”

Maja Tait, mayor, District of Sooke -

“Today marks another step forward in supplying affordable housing for Sooke residents. Thank you to the project partners, including the Capital Regional District and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation through the Regional Housing First Program, M’akola Housing, and the Province, for responding to this critical need. I am pleased to see progress on this project and look forward to its opening – welcoming residents to a safe and secure place they can call home.”

Kevin Albers, CEO, M’akola Housing Society –

“We are pleased to bring more affordable housing to the District of Sooke, and this is possible through leveraging the partnerships and relationships we have in the community. We are in a housing crisis, and it takes a collective effort to bring projects like this to fruition.”

Quick Facts:

• The Regional Housing First Program is an equal partnership agreement between the CRD, the Province through BC Housing and the federal government though the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
• The program will result in a direct investment of $120 million to create up to 2,000 units of affordable housing, including 400 units to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

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/