SAANICH - Construction is underway on the $250-million Nigel Valley housing redevelopment in Saanich, which will provide approximately 800 new homes for a range of people in need.

"Strong partnerships are needed for creating lasting positive change in people's lives by improving housing affordability in our communities," said Rob Fleming, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake. "The Nigel Valley redevelopment represents what a community can accomplish by working together to redevelop a neighbourhood that's focused on the needs of the people who will live there."

The Province, through BC Housing, is leading the redevelopment in partnership with the federal government, Broadmead Care, Garth Homer Society, Garth Homer Foundation, Greater Victoria Housing Society and Island Community Mental Health Association.

The redevelopment will provide hundreds of new homes for individuals, families, seniors, veterans, people living with disabilities and people with mental-health challenges. This includes:

• approximately 440 affordable rental homes;
• approximately 255 units of market housing;
•  41 long-term care beds;
• 37 homes with supports for seniors and veterans; and
• 25 homes with supports for people with mental-health challenges.

Phase 1 of the redevelopment is underway with construction of Broadmead Care's new long- term care home, Nigel House. Located at 851 Nigel Ave., the new building will provide 88 units, including 41 long-term care beds, 37 homes with supports for seniors and veterans, and 10 affordable rental units for independent seniors and veterans. Construction is expected to be completed in summer 2024.

The Province, through BC Housing, is providing $47.5 million in construction financing and a grant of $5.2 million for Nigel House. The federal government, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, is contributing $3.2 million from the National Housing Co-Investment Fund. Broadmead Care is providing approximately $2 million and a further $3.2 million in fundraised equity. The Capital Regional Hospital District is providing approximately $1.3 million. Island Health will be providing operating funding of approximately $5.3 million.

The first phase of the redevelopment also includes a second housing project, which is scheduled to break ground in late 2022 subject to provincial approval. The Greater Victoria Housing Society's new five-storey apartment building will provide 70 rental homes for moderate- and low-income individuals, families, seniors and adults living with disabilities.

Quick Facts:

• The Nigel Valley redevelopment will be completed in three phases over the next decade.
• The phased approach will allow current residents to remain in their homes until construction of their new homes is complete.
• Bordered by Darwin Avenue to the east, Vernon Avenue to the west, Lochside Regional Trail to the north of the property and Saanich Road to the south, the 3.6-hectare (nine- acre) site currently provides approximately 150 homes plus long-term care for people living with disabilities and people with mental-health challenges.

Learn More:

More information about the Nigel Valley redevelopment can be found here: https://www.bchousing.org/projects-partners/development-projects/saanich-nigel-valley

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/

A backgrounder follows.

BACKGROUNDER

What people are saying about the Nigel Valley redvelopment

Ahmed Hussen, federal Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion -

"Everyone deserves a safe place to call home. Our government remains committed to working with our partners to ensure our seniors have access to housing that meets their needs. Today's announcement is another important step in the right direction and will go a long way to support families in Saanich. This is the National Housing Strategy at work."

Parm Bains, Member of Parliament for Steveston-Richmond East -

"This investment from the National Housing Co-investment Fund is improving the economic and social well-being of the individuals, seniors and families who will soon call Nigel House their home and will make Saanich a better place to live. When people have a secure and stable home, they gain the confidence they need to succeed and fulfil their potential."

Fred Haynes, mayor, District of Saanich -

"It's amazing what can happen when multiple stakeholders, including our local community associations, take a collaborative and proactive approach to challenges like housing. This project caters to a wide range of housing needs in Saanich and I look forward to seeing how it will enhance our community over the years to come."

Derrick Bernardo, president and CEO, Broadmead Care -

"Broadmead Care has had a dream for years to build a new Nigel House. We are excited to see housing, health and social services coming together to make this dream a reality and more. The new Nigel House will be part of a beautiful community campus of care with a focus on aging in place, research and innovation."

Geoffrey Ewert, CEO, Garth Homer Society -

"The Nigel Valley Project is a remarkable collaborative effort with the goal of meeting the needs of our diverse community. What we are creating is more than just housing - we are creating an inclusive community where people from all walks of life feel a true sense of belonging and have a place that feels like home."

Bruce Homer, board chair, Garth Homer Foundation -

"The Nigel Valley project amplifies what can be achieved when stakeholders collaborate for the good of the community as a whole. Garth Homer is proud to be a part of this transformative initiative."

Virginia Holden, executive director, Greater Victoria Housing Society -

"Greater Victoria Housing Society is really thrilled that we can increase the amount of affordable rental homes available in Saanich. We are very grateful to be a part of this strong partnership with the Province and other community non-profit organizations that will result in a transformation of this neighbourhood, and create a community where everyone feels at home."

Chris Forester, executive director, Island Community Mental Health (ICMH) -

"Providing housing and recovery-oriented supports to people living with mental health challenges is at the heart of our work. ICMH is proud to partner in bringing 800 homes and the creation of an inclusive community to the Nigel Valley to serve so many of those in need."