More people in need of affordable and supportive housing on Salt Spring Island will have a new place to call home with the opening of a new building on Drake Road.

“Helping people experiencing homelessness and others who are struggling to make ends meet is critical to our government,” said Christine Boyle, B.C.’s Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “These homes will help people breathe a little easier, while also being able to build a life in their community. We’ll continue working with partners to deliver the homes people need.” 

The new building at 161 Drake Rd. has 32 supportive homes for adults who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and four affordable homes for people who can live independently.

“This is an important step forward for our unhoused residents on Salt Spring Island and for those seeking affordable housing,” said Rob Botterell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands. “Housing, food and health services should be available to everyone. Wraparound services like these are essential to creating healthier and safer communities in British Columbia.”

The new homes are owned by the Province, through BC Housing. Lookout Housing and Health Society is the operator. Residents in the supportive homes will receive wraparound services, such as two meals a day, laundry services and support with health and wellness programs from staff.

“Lookout is thrilled to operate this new building that will provide much-needed stability and support to residents,” said Shayne Williams, chief executive officer, Lookout Housing and Health Society. “We are grateful to the local community partners who have shown incredible support and look forward to collaborating to ensure this residence becomes a cornerstone of care and compassion on Salt Spring Island.”

Residents in the supportive homes who are on income or disability assistance will pay the provincial shelter rate. Employed residents will pay approximately 30% of their income for rent.

Since 2017, the Province has more than 93,600 homes delivered or underway, including more than 115 on Salt Spring Island.

Quotes:

Stephanie McLean, federal Secretary of State (Seniors) and MP for Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke, on behalf of  Gregor Robertson, federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada –

“Tackling housing challenges takes all of us – every level of government and every partner at the table. Today’s announcement shows what’s possible when we work together to support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. These investments don’t just build housing. They offer stability, dignity and a real sense of belonging to those who need it most.”

Steve Morissette, B.C. parliamentary secretary for rural development –

“Building these homes in a rural community strengthens families by helping people have places to live that offer them stability. These homes offer the chance for residents to thrive where their roots run deep and continue to build up the community as a whole.” 

Gary Holman, electoral area director for Salt Spring Island –

“Housing solutions require partnership between different orders of government and the CRD was pleased to lease property in the Salt Spring Island electoral area to BC Housing in response to local needs. My thanks to BC Housing for this transformative investment in supportive housing. We also support the leadership of Lookout in their management of this important facility.”

Quick Facts:

• The Province, through BC Housing, provided grants of almost $15 million and will provide approximately $1.3 million in annual operating funding for the supportive housing. 
• The federal government provided $1.6 million through the Affordable Housing Fund 
• The Capital Regional District provided the land on a long-term lease for a nominal fee.
• Rents for the affordable homes will be $1,477 or less, with an income limit to qualify.

Learn More:

To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for people in British Columbia, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/

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 read the Belonging in BC plan, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BelongingStrategy.pdf