Province invests $10 million for new housing projects in Kamloops

April 7, 2017

KAMLOOPS – Provincial funding of over $10 million will bring more than 70 new affordable homes at two new housing developments in Kamloops.

Following recent announcements totalling $920 million in affordable rental housing, the Province has selected the following organizations to receive capital funding for new housing projects that will provide safe, affordable homes for a variety of people in need:

• ASK Wellness Society – $6.5 million in Mental Health Housing funding to provide 42 units for people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or are struggling with mental health challenges.
• Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services – $3.9 million for approximately 30 units of housing for Aboriginal people. The site at 975 Singh St. has been designated by the City of Kamloops (through a registered housing agreement) to house Aboriginal tenants. The project is an innovative model providing Aboriginal youth and youth aging out of care with housing under the same roof as Aboriginal elders.

BC Housing will work with these groups to fully develop the project plans and ensure the proper rezoning and consultation is considered and confirmed before construction.

Quotes:

Todd Stone, MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson –

“The Province’s significant investment in Kamloops will ensure more people in need have access to a safe and affordable place to call home. I look forward to seeing construction begin on these projects and we will continue to work with our partners to increase the supply of affordable homes in the area.”

Bob Hughes, executive director, ASK Wellness Society –

“On behalf of ASK Wellness Society, I’m very pleased to be a part of this recent investment into affordable housing in Kamloops. The acquisition of these units will provide housing and supports to assist individuals ready and willing to return to the workforce or pursue educational opportunities. These efforts complement ASK Wellness Society’s existing housing projects and provide the foundation for our clients to lead fulfilling, healthy lives.”

Colleen Lucier, executive director, Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services –

“On behalf of our Board of Directors, Elders Council and our team at Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services, I want to express our gratitude for this incredible opportunity to contribute to reconciliation in the provincial child welfare system by increasing positive pathways for First Nations, Metis and Inuit youth leaving government care. By creating culturally enriched housing for our youth, we will contribute to healing, wellness, and improved outcomes as our youth transition into adulthood.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the Province has invested or committed to a total of $6.3 billion to provide affordable housing supply and access for low income individuals, seniors and families.
• This includes new investment commitments of $920 million to support the acquisition, construction and renovation of almost 5,300 housing units across B.C. over the next few years.
• More than 104,000 B.C. households benefit from a diverse range of provincial housing programs and services.
• Last year, the Province invested approximately $10.5 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for 1,900 households in Kamloops.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Province’s actions on housing affordability, visit: http://housingaffordability.gov.bc.ca/

Contact:Andrea Coutts
BC Housing
778 452-2745

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