Seniors and families with low to moderate incomes in Valemount are settling into their new affordable rental homes as construction has been completed on a new 13-unit apartment building.

“I am so pleased that, with the opening of this building, seniors and families in Valemount can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing they have safe, secure and affordable housing,” said Mable Elmore, B.C.’s Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors’ Services and Long-Term Care. “Communities are healthier when everyone has access to homes they can afford, and our government will continue to work with our partners to open more of this kind of housing across the province.”

Located at 1295 Gordon St., Juniper Square is a two-storey building with one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Monthly rents vary, depending on the resident’s household income and the size of the unit:

• three units for people with very low incomes (such as residents on income assistance): $375 to $660 per month;
• six rent-geared-to-income units for people with low to moderate incomes: $475 to $1,100 per month; and
• four affordable market units for people with moderate incomes: $850 to $1,050 per month.

The project is a result of a partnership between the Province, Columbia Basin Trust, the Village of Valemount, the Valemount Affordable Rentals Society (VARS) and the Government of Canada, through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

“Our government is taking steps, right now, to ensure every Canadian has a safe and affordable place to call home,” said Ahmed Hussen, federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for CHMC. “Our investments will go a long way to support those who need it most by quickly providing new affordable housing units to vulnerable seniors and families. Our government’s plan under the National Housing Strategy continues to provide housing for Canadians from coast to coast to coast, including in right here in Valemount.”

The Province, through BC Housing, provided a grant of approximately $1.34 million to the project through the Building BC: Community Housing Fund. BC Housing is also providing VARS with an annual operating subsidy of approximately $86,000. VARS provided the land for the project, and will own and operate the building.

Residents began moving into their new homes in September 2021.

Quotes:

Riette Kenkel, president, VARS –

“Valemount Affordable Rentals Society is excited to support the Valemount community with much-needed housing opportunities now that the Juniper Square project is completed. We are thankful for all the co-operation and ongoing support from our community volunteers, contractors, funders and partners, and we look forward to continuing to address our community’s housing needs in the future.”

Johnny Strilaeff, president and CEO, Columbia Basin Trust –

“We wish all the best for the residents who now call Juniper Square home and congratulate our community partners, Valemount Affordable Rentals Society and Village of Valemount, as well as our provincial and federal partners on bringing this project from concept to completion. The trust has heard from Columbia Basin residents that affordable housing is a priority. This project supports the Valemount community to respond to this need.”

Quick Facts:

• The Government of Canada provided $300,000 to the project through the Federal Bilateral Canada Community Housing Initiative Grant.
• Columbia Basin Trust provided $169,400 to the project.
• The Village of Valemount waived $25,500 in development costs.

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/