Colwood Friday, March 22, 2019 11:15 AM
Affordable homes are within reach for families, seniors and people with disabilities as a redevelopment brings 82 new rental homes to the community.
“These new homes represent new opportunities, security and peace of mind for families, seniors and people living with disabilities,” said Mitzi Dean, MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin. “Our government is committed to delivering affordable homes across the province that are safe and foster a sense of community.”
The redevelopment, called Helios, is located at 2006 Sooke Rd. in the Colwood Lakes neighbourhood and replaces 12 aging townhouses.
The redevelopment creates more homes for low- to moderate-income households and is near community amenities, schools, retail areas and transit.
“In Colwood, we recognize that the strongest communities are those that offer a range of housing options to meet the needs of people at every age and stage of life,” said Rob Martin, mayor, City of Colwood. “These bright and welcoming homes at Helios in Colwood will allow people to build the life they envision for themselves and their families.”
Helios includes homes of varying sizes, from studios to three-bedrooms units. Helios includes pedestrian walkways, a playground and community gardens. Operated by Pacifica Housing, rents range from $862 to $1,570 per month.
“All of us at Pacifica Housing are proud to work every day to find solutions to the housing crisis,” said Jaime Hall, president and board chair, Pacifica Housing. “The Helios project is a great example of our partnerships with the Province and municipalities to ensure more people can look forward to a roof over their head and a place to call home.”
People began moving into their homes earlier this month.
Quick Facts:
- The Province, through BC Housing, provided $8.4 million in capital funding and construction financing for the project.
- The City of Colwood contributed $328,000 through its affordable housing reserve fund.
- Pacifica Housing provided the land valued at approximately $4 million.
- Rental rates for the Helios project are:
- studio: $862 per month;
- one bedroom: $995 per month;
- two bedrooms: $1,292 month;
- three bedrooms: $1,570 per month.
- As part of Building BC, the largest investment in affordable housing in B.C.’s history, the Province is investing $140 million to build 1,100 units of additional affordable housing throughout the Capital Regional District. This includes:
- Community Housing Fund: $100 million for more than 900 mixed-income homes;
- Indigenous Housing Fund: $33 million for more than 160 homes for Indigenous peoples;
- Women’s Transition Housing Fund: $7 million for 20 homes for women and children fleeing violence; and
- Rapid Response to Homelessness (modular housing): 21 homes for Indigenous women experiencing homelessness in Victoria.
- To address the issue of housing affordability for British Columbians, the Province is curbing speculation in B.C.’s housing market and helping build 114,000 affordable market rental, non-profit, supported social housing and owner-purchase housing through partnerships.
Learn More:
Read Homes for B.C., government’s 30-point plan to address housing affordability for British Columbians:
bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2018/homesbc/2018_Homes_For_BC.pdf
This is on BC Govt website go to the link
