Province supports affordable homes to Kelowna, Salmon Arm & other area communities

The B.C. government is supporting affordable home projects in the Interior and in Northern B.C., including some in the local area.

The province announced that it would provide funding for 15 projects in the two regions that would deliver a total of 584 new affordable homes for renters through the third round of the Building B.C.: Community Housing Fund.

“Through our Homes for People action plan, we’re accelerating housing supply across the province to meet the diverse needs of people,” Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing, said.

“Whether you live in a big city or a remote coastal village, access to affordable and suitable housing is important in forming strong communities. That is why we are working in partnership to ensure homes are built for people in the communities they call home.”

None of the projects included in the announcement were within Vernon or the North Okanagan, but there were some in nearby communities.

In Kelowna, support would be given to Turning Points Collaborative Society to build 68 homes at 1951 Cross Road for families, seniors and people living with disabilities.

A partnership between the province and the Canadian Mental Health Association – Shuswap/Revelstoke, would see 40 affordable housing units built in Salmon Arm.

The province, in partnership with Oncore Seniors Service, would support the construction of 37 homes for seniors and people with disabilities in Chase.

There would also be 27 homes for families and people living with disabilities built in Golden, in partnership with the Golden Community Economic Development Society.

Of the projects announced by the province, 13 were within the Interior, which represented a total of 539 homes. The remaining two projects that would deliver 45 new homes will be located in northern B.C.

The government did not say how much financial support would be given to the projects.

“The rental housing crisis touches every corner of British Columbia, and we’re thrilled to see non-profits in the Interior and northern regions will soon be constructing hundreds of new affordable rental homes,” Jill Atkey, CEO of the B.C Non-Profit Housing Association, said.

“These homes are critical for British Columbians experiencing affordability challenges today, but importantly, they will also be home to thousands more in the generations to come. But our work is not done, and we will continue to push every government to increase investment into safe, secure and affordable housing.”