Construction is underway on 14 new affordable rental homes with supports for seniors with low to moderate incomes in Pender Harbour.

“These new homes will give seniors in Pender Harbour a safe and affordable place to live, along with the supports they need to age in place,” said Mable Elmore, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors’ Services and Long-Term Care. “This project is another example of how our government is putting people first. We will continue to invest in housing like this throughout the province so that B.C.’s communities remain healthy and vibrant.”

A partnership between the Province, through BC Housing, the Sunshine Coast Regional District and Pender Harbour Seniors Housing Society (PHSHS), the three-storey apartment building at 12730 Lagoon Rd. will have a mix of one- and two-bedroom units, including two accessible units.

“I’m excited for what this new building will provide to seniors in Pender Harbour, particularly those who have had a hard time finding affordable housing,” said Nicholas Simons, MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast. “Thank you to all of our project partners for working to ensure seniors can live independently while staying connected to the community they call home.”

All units will be adaptable, allowing for the suites to be easily and inexpensively modified to meet residents’ needs as they age. The building will include shared dining and lounge areas, a communal kitchen, a multi-purpose room and space for gardening. Monthly rents are projected to range from $1,700 to $2,100, depending on unit size and tenant income.

“This project is an excellent start as we work alongside BC Housing to meet the needs of residents who require supportive housing in our region,” said Darnelda Siegers, board chair, Sunshine Coast Regional District. “I want to thank the provincial government for providing this investment in our community and we look forward to collaborating on projects in the future.”

The building will be managed by the PHSHS. The society will provide residents with hospitality services, such as housekeeping and an on-site caretaker. These services will be included in monthly rents.

"This is a positive step in the fulfilment of Ryan and Sue Campbell's hope for an integrated seniors’ community, and whose land donation was a pivotal step toward this great project,” said Les Falk, chair, PHSHS.

Construction is expected to be completed by early 2023.

This project is part of the B.C.’s 10-year, $7-billion housing plan. Since 2017, the Province has funded more than 30,000 affordable new homes that have been completed or are underway for people in B.C., including 488 homes on the Sunshine Coast.

Quick Facts:

• The Province, through BC Housing, is providing approximately $4.15 million to the project:
  • approximately $2.75 million through the Provincial Investment in Affordable Housing fund; and
  • a Deepening Affordability grant of approximately $1.4 million. Without the additional Deepening Affordability investment, the rents would not have been as affordable for people in the community.
• The Pender Harbour Seniors Housing Society is providing the land for the project.
• The Sunshine Coast Regional District is providing $45,000 in municipal waivers.

Learn More:

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/

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