CAMPBELL RIVER – People in Campbell River, including Elders, seniors and those with physical disabilities, now have access to new affordable rental homes, thanks to a partnership between the Government of British Columbia and M'akola Housing Society.

“People in communities like Campbell River have been struggling to afford housing for too long,” said Claire Trevena, MLA for North Island. “This project will make a significant difference in the lives of people who will call this place home. Our government will continue to work with non-profit partners, such as M’akola Housing Society, to build the homes people need throughout B.C.”

Located at 340 South Island Hwy, a former Travelodge motel was purchased and renovated to provide 39 bachelor units for people with low to moderate incomes. M’akola Housing Society owns the property and is operating the building.

“We’ve been operating housing around the province for nearly 35 years, including the Campbell River community for more than 10 of those years. This is our first project in the region geared toward singles and we are honoured to offer homes to this underserved population,” said Kevin Albers, CEO, M’akola Housing Society. “Our teams are working throughout the province to serve Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in need of safe, affordable housing and this is a very proud day for our new tenants and the entire M’akola team.”

“Honouring Elders is a very important part of Indigenous culture,” said Margaret Pfoh, CEO, Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA). “Ensuring Elders and seniors have a home that is suited to their needs not only responds to the housing crisis but to creating stronger communities. Our Elders play a crucial role in preserving and sharing Indigenous knowledge and traditions. AHMA is committed to creating and sustaining meaningful projects and programs to enable our Indigenous Elders to live their best quality of life.”

Rental rates for all 39 units are $500 per month.

“On behalf of council and the City of Campbell River, I would like to convey our appreciation of BC Housing for their continued support and engagement to provide affordable housing and services to meet the needs of our community’s most vulnerable,” said Andy Adams, mayor, City of Campbell River.

The Province provided $6.5 million in capital funding for the project.

Quick Facts:

• Through the Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund, the Province will provide $550 million over the next 10 years to build 1,750 units of social housing for Indigenous peoples, on- and off-reserve in British Columbia.
• The Indigenous Housing Fund was launched in Budget 2018 as part of the Province’s 30- point housing plan. The plan outlines the largest investment in affordable housing in B.C.’s history — more than $7 billion over 10 years. Through this investment, the Province will work in partnership to create 114,000 new, affordable homes.
• Through the new Building BC housing funds, the Province is investing approximately $186 million for more than 1,500 units of affordable housing on Vancouver Island. This includes:
  • Community Housing Fund: $134 million for more than 1,270 homes, including 40 homes in Campbell River
  • Indigenous Housing Fund: $38.8 million for 194 homes
  • Women’s Transition Housing Fund: $13.4 million for 50 homes

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

To read about the Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2018MAH0149-002268 

Contacts:

Melanie Kilpatrick
Media Relations
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
778 698-9176

Rajvir Rao
BC Housing
604 456-8917