INVERMERE - Thirty new affordable homes are on the way for families, seniors and women and children leaving violence in Invermere, with construction underway on a new townhouse project.

"These new homes will provide a much-needed affordable place to call home for a range of people in need," said David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing. "We are working hard with our partners to make sure people have access to safe, secure and affordable homes in communities throughout the province."

The project is a partnership between the Province, Columbia Basin Trust, the District of Invermere and Family Dynamix Association. It will provide 15 homes for low-income families and seniors and 15 homes, with access to support services, for women and children leaving violence.

The site is located near a number of amenities and services, including grocery stores and schools. Construction started in November 2020 and is expected to be complete in summer 2023.

The Province is working in partnership to increase the supply of affordable rental housing in the Columbia Valley and East Kootenay regions for people at a range of income levels. With this new project, there are more than 370 rental homes complete or underway.

Quotes:

Katrine Conroy, Minister Responsible for the Columbia Basin Trust -

"There is an urgent need for affordable homes for people in rural communities, including Invermere. Thanks to the Columbia Basin Trust, the District of Invermere and Family Dynamix Association for partnering with the Province to help deliver these 30 homes for families, seniors and women and children."

Grace Lore, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity -

"Everyone deserves to live a life that is safe and free from violence. We are committed to providing homes to people, when they need it most. Women and children need to have a safe place to go when they leave an abusive situation. These new homes will make it easier for people in this community to rebuild their lives, support their families and move forward."

Al Miller, mayor, District of Invermere -

"The District of Invermere has seen the need for more affordable homes for some of our lower-income working families, as well as seniors and women and children. Family Dynamix has worked tirelessly in conjunction with the District of Invermere, Columbia Basin Trust and the Province in conjunction with Generation Homes to bring this development to Invermere. On behalf of the District of Invermere, mayor and council, I would like to acknowledge and thank all the partners who have brought this housing to fruition. Our community will be forever be a better place because of this project."

Johnny Strilaeff, president and CEO, Columbia Basin Trust -

"We continue to hear from residents and communities that affordable housing is a priority in the Columbia Basin region. These new units significantly increase the housing options in Invermere and enhance the quality of life for residents, whether it's a fresh start, a comfortable space for raising a family or a place to enjoy one's later years. Thank you to all the partners involved, and especially the efforts of Family Dynamix Association, as together we help make the basin a viable place to live, work and play."

Pat Cope, executive director, Family Dynamix Association -

"On behalf of the board and staff of Family Dynamix, we are pleased to work with BC Housing, Columbia Basin Trust, the District of Invermere and Generation Homes in securing this additional affordable housing for the Columbia Valley. We look forward to continuing to participate in finding other opportunities for 'valley made' solutions to affordable housing for families and individuals in our communities."

Quick Facts:

• The Province and Columbia Basin Trust are providing a combined grant of approximately $3.1 million for the 15 townhouse units for families and seniors.
• The Province is providing approximately $4.9 million from the Building BC: Women's Transition Housing Fund and annual operating funding of approximately $96,000 for the 15 townhouse units for women and children.
• As with all projects for women and children leaving violence, the address of this project has not been disclosed due to safety reasons.

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@bchousing.org