Seniors living on Quadra Island now have more affordable and accessible rental home options to choose from with the opening of a new independent-living apartment building in the community.

“Seniors on Quadra Island want to stay close to their friends, loved ones and their community as they age,” said Michele Babchuk, MLA for North Island. “This project took time and effort to come to fruition and because of that, more affordable, safe and accessible homes are available in the community. I want to thank everyone who worked so hard for so long to make this project possible and look forward to the positive impact this will have."

Located at 688 Harper Rd., the one-storey building has 16 one-bedroom suites, including four accessible units. All units are adaptable, allowing for the suites to be easily and inexpensively modified to meet residents’ future needs. The building also has a shared amenity space with a kitchen for social events. The apartments will be rented for below-market rates of $715 per month.

“The need for seniors housing was identified in the Housing Needs Report completed in 2018, with seniors disproportionately residing in housing in need of major repairs and concerned about their ability to ‘age in place’ on Quadra Island,” said Jim Abram, director, Strathcona Regional District Electoral Area C. “This new housing complex is a significant step toward addressing this need and easing the housing burden on area seniors.”

The building will be owned and operated by the Quadra Island Seniors Housing Society (QISHS). Hospitality services, such as meals and housekeeping, will be provided to residents by the Quadra Circle Community Connections Society, upon request. A caretaker will also live on site.

“We are so grateful for the partnership with BC Housing and the support of the Strathcona Regional District,” said Maureen McDowell, president, QISHS. “BC Housing's financial contribution enabled our island community of under 3,000 people to build this much-needed affordable housing in only four years. Community cash and in-kind donations also helped create a comfortable home where our seniors can age-in-place in the walk-able village centre. For Quadra seniors, their families and friends, this is a dream come true.”

Residents started moving into their new homes in early September 2021.

Quick Facts:

• The Province, through BC Housing, provided $6 million to the project, including approximately $1.25 million in low-cost construction financing that will be repaid in full. Government funding includes:
  • approximately $2.6 million through the Investment in Housing Innovation fund; and
  • a Deepening Affordability grant of approximately $1.5 million. Without the additional Deepening Affordability investment, the rents would not have been as affordable for people in the community.
• QISHS provided the land for the project, as well as $200,000 in community donations.
• The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is contributing approximately $475,000 to the project.

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/

Low-income seniors renting in the private market may be eligible for a rent supplement through BC Housing’s Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters (SAFER) program: https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/rental-assistance-programs/SAFER