VANCOUVER - Individuals and families in Vancouver are moving into 51 new rental homes they can afford, as the Mi Casa redevelopment opens.

"The redevelopment of this property exemplifies how our government is working together to make housing accessible to neighbours and families in East Vancouver and across our province," said Melanie Mark, MLA for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant, on behalf of David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing. "I'm proud of the fact that this development doubled the number of units and provides new types of housing that better serves the diverse needs of our community."

The project is a partnership between the Province, the City of Vancouver and Red Door Housing Society.

Located at 2425 Saint Catherines St., the seven-storey building has replaced an aging and deteriorating three-storey building, built in 1986, that had 22 units. The new project more than doubles the number of people who can secure a new, affordable home on the property.

The new building provides studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom homes for people with moderate and low incomes, including 24 three-bedroom homes designed for families. Most rents range from about $1,030 to $2,590 per month, depending on unit size and tenant income.

Red Door Housing Society will continue in its role as operator.

"We're pleased to celebrate the opening of Mi Casa," said Susan Snell, executive director, Red Door Housing Society. "The reaction from tenants has been heartwarming - saying it's so beautiful, that they've been looking for an affordable home for years, even being brought to tears. We're so happy to help these people move into their new homes."

People started moving into their new affordable homes on June 15, 2021.

Quote:

Kennedy Stewart, mayor, City of Vancouver -

"Non-profit partnerships like this one with Red Door Housing Society are essential to providing the homes we need for low- and middle-income neighbours. What makes this partnership even better is the co-operation between the city and the Province to help drive rents even lower and help more people stay in Vancouver, close to the people and places they love."

Quick Facts:

• The Province provided $7.3 million for the project:
  • A $5-million grant through the Investment in Housing Innovation fund; and
  • A Deepening Affordability grant of $2.3 million. Without the additional Deepening Affordability investment, the rents would not have been as affordable for people in the community.
• The City of Vancouver contributed about $1 million in grant funding, and Red Door Housing Society provided the land, valued at about $9.4 million.
• The Province works in partnership to increase the supply of affordable homes in Vancouver for people with a range of income levels. Including this project, more than 6,800 homes are complete or underway in the community.

Learn More:

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 learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians, visit: https://workingforyou.gov.bc.ca/

Contacts:

Ministry of Attorney General and Responsible for Housing
Media Relations
778 678-1572

BC Housing
Media Relations
media@bchousing.org