More than 150 new homes, as well as 36 new child care spaces, are on the way for people in Victoria, with construction underway on a new mixed-use housing development.

“This unique project will benefit people in Victoria by providing child care spaces, affordable homes for seniors and working families, and safe, stable, supportive homes for people currently experiencing homelessness,” said Rob Fleming, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have in our community for years to come. We will continue to work in partnership to build the homes people need in the capital region and throughout the province.”

Located at 3020 Douglas St. and 584 Burnside Rd. E., the Victoria Cool Aid Society’s Crosstown development project will provide 100 affordable rental homes for individuals, seniors and families and 54 supportive homes for people experiencing homelessness.

A child care facility, operated by Beacon Community Services, will provide 36 child care spaces.

“Providing access to quality affordable child care is key for parents going back to work or returning to school,” said Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care. “We are delivering on our Childcare BC plan, and we’re hearing from families that affordable child care is having a life-changing impact.”

The rental housing will include a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom homes for people with moderate and low incomes.

The supportive housing component will have studio and one-bedroom homes with 24/7 support. Victoria Cool Aid Society will provide on-site supports for residents, including daily meals, life-skills training, employment assistance and counselling, physical and mental health resources, and access to treatment and recovery services.

Residents of the site’s former Tally Ho Motel, which is being used as temporary supportive housing for approximately 51 people, will have the option of moving into the new supportive homes upon completion of the building.

The development will include commercial space, a coffee shop and a public plaza.

Construction is expected to be completed in winter 2023.

Quotes:

Lisa Helps, mayor, City of Victoria –

“This is a fantastic project that will make a significant impact across the community. Combining affordable and supportive housing with daycare and commercial properties is an innovative use of space that contributes solutions where they’re needed most.”

Kathy Stinson, CEO, Victoria Cool Aid Society –

“Crosstown is a fantastic example of the kind of innovation and forward thinking we need in the housing sector in order to make lasting change. A combination of affordable and supportive housing, along with commercial space and a child care centre, will create the kind of environment in which everyone who lives, works and plays there has the opportunity to thrive. We are truly excited to see this vision becoming a reality.”

Quick Facts:

• The Province is investing $28.2 million for the 154 homes:
  • $10.6 million from the Building BC: Community Housing Fund.
  • $17.6 million from the Building BC: Supportive Housing Fund.
• The Province will also provide $1.8 million in annual operating funding.
• Through the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund, the Province is investing $1.4 million to support the creation of the 36 new licensed child care spaces.
• The City of Victoria is providing $450,000 from its Housing Reserve Fund.

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/