Nearly 1,500 affordable homes on the way in Burnaby

BURNABY - Families, seniors and individuals in Burnaby will benefit from nearly 1,500 new affordable rental homes with the Province investing approximately $253 million to build several new developments.

"Burnaby is one of the fastest-growing cities in B.C., making the demand for affordable housing in the community among the highest in province," said Premier David Eby. "That's why we're working with the City of Burnaby and other partners to build about 1,500 new affordable homes, including some specifically for Indigenous people, seniors facing homelessness, families with low incomes and people living with disabilities. The addition of these homes will be key to help people in Burnaby who are searching for affordable housing."

Of the nearly 1,500 new homes:

305 units at three developments are expected to start construction by late 2023;
790 units at four major housing projects currently in development;
390 units at three developments that are currently under construction and are expected to be complete by 2025-26; and
provincial funding ensures that the projects remain viable despite rising construction costs and that rents will remain affordable.

Confirmed projects are:

7392 16th Ave.: 203 homes, under construction, expected to be complete in 2025.
6889 Royal Oak Ave.: 134 homes, under construction, expected to be complete in 2025.
6608-6652 Sussex Ave.: 53 homes, under construction, expected to be complete by 2026.
3802 Hastings St.: 161 homes, construction expected to start in late 2023.
6488 Byrnepark Dr.: 130 homes, construction expected to start in late 2023.
7492 Holly St.: 14 homes, construction expected to start by fall 2023.

"Burnaby is a key partner in our work to bring much-needed homes to the Metro Vancouver area, as we build more homes than ever before in B.C.," said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “People love living and working in B.C. It's why we are seeing unprecedented immigration levels and the demand shows in Burnaby. That's why we're bringing nearly 1,500 affordable rental homes to the people who want to live in the community they know and love.”

As part of this investment, the Province has committed approximately $186.4 million through Budget 2023 to build four major housing developments that will provide approximately 790 rental homes in the community. Further details and updates will be provided as plans for each project are finalized. The funding is part of a memorandum of understanding between the Province, through BC Housing, and the City of Burnaby to build new affordable housing in the region.

"Creating new affordable housing for families, seniors and individuals is one of the top priorities for our community and we're pleased to work together with our provincial partners to deliver the type of housing that our community desperately needs," said Mike Hurley, mayor of Burnaby. "This investment supports the work we're already doing in Burnaby, as there are now more non-market rental units in development than market rentals - a sign that our approach to developing affordable housing is paying off for Burnaby residents."

These projects are part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has more than 76,000 new homes have been delivered or are underway, including more than 4,000 homes in Burnaby.

Learn More:

To learn more about government's new Homes for People action plan, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023HOUS0019-000436

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/

Two backgrounders follow.

Backgrounders

What people are saying about Burnaby housing projects

Katrina Chen, MLA for Burnaby-Lougheed -

"These developments will not only make a critical difference for people and their families in Burnaby, they will also help relieve pressure in Metro Vancouver for people who want to live in the community they know and love. We are grateful to the many partners and City of Burnaby for coming together to make this happen."

Janet Routledge, MLA for Burnaby North -

"The housing crisis is putting pressure on people and families across B.C. and an important way out is to increase housing stock. Together, our government, Burnaby and our valued partners are building a way forward to ensure people will have access to affordable housing, and I'm excited to be part of it."

Raj Chouhan, MLA for Burnaby-Edmonds -

"The construction of these rental homes is another illustration of our commitment providing safe, affordable and accessible homes for all British Columbians. Thank you to the various organizations and partners who are bringing these affordable rentals to Burnaby. They will benefit the community for years to come."

Anne Kang, MLA for Burnaby-Deer Lake -

"Everyone deserves a safe and inclusive place to call home. Our government understands the importance of affordable housing in communities. We are here to help people with a wide range of incomes - from seniors on fixed incomes to growing families to people living with disabilities - find a good, affordable home. These projects are part of our efforts to increase housing supply everywhere in the province, so people are not priced out of the community they call home."

Kevin Albers, CEO, M'akola Housing Society -

"M'akola's first project in the City of Burnaby demonstrates the importance and impact that partnerships make toward the realization of Indigenous affordable housing. Working together with the City of Burnaby, BC Housing and CMHC toward our common goals will see the development of 130 affordable homes for Indigenous families, bringing them housing certainty and stability. M'akola's team is excited to be bringing our program and housing model to the City of Burnaby and looks forward to welcoming the first families into their new homes."

Guyle Clark, board president, New Vista Society -

"As New Vista celebrates our 80th year of providing affordable housing in 2023, we are delighted to partner with BC Housing, Keltic Properties and the City of Burnaby on this important project for the community."

Queenie Choo, CEO, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Affordable Housing Society -

"S.U.C.C.E.S.S. has been helping families find affordable homes since 2008. Today, we operate nearly 1,000 housing units across Metro Vancouver. We're proud to partner on innovative projects like 3802 Hastings, where we can bring affordable housing and child care facilities together under one roof to create more supportive, connected communities. These 161 new homes for seniors and families with low to moderate incomes will ensure Burnaby residents have more housing options that enable them to settle and thrive in their chosen neighbourhoods."

Luke Harrison, president, Catalyst Community Developments Society -

"Catalyst is thrilled to be delivering affordable housing to people that choose to live and work in Burnaby. This partnership between the City of Burnaby, Catalyst and CMHC has been improved with this important investment and input from the Province and BC Housing. Community housing that meets community needs is only possible through collaboration between housing providers and all levels of government."

Jaye Treit, executive director, Progressive Housing Society -

"Progressive Housing Society is redeveloping an existing society-owned building in Burnaby to increase the supply of permanent affordable housing on this site. The society owns the land and will continue to operate the densified development. We are thrilled to be adding additional units of much-needed affordable housing in Burnaby."

Facts about Burnaby housing projects

7392 16th Ave.:

203 rental homes, including 41 accessible units, for individuals, families and people living with disabilities with low to moderate incomes.
Currently under construction and expected to be completed in 2025.
The six-storey building will include studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units.
The Province is providing a $16-million grant to the project.
The City of Burnaby provided the land and is providing a grant of approximately $989,000.
CMHC contributing $64 million in financing.
Catalyst Community Developments Society will operate the building.

6889 Royal Oak Ave.:

134 rental homes, including 27 accessible units, for individuals, families and people living with disabilities with low to moderate incomes.
Currently under construction and expected to be complete in 2025.
The six-storey building will include studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units.
The Province is providing an $11-million grant to the project.
The City of Burnaby provided the land and is providing a grant of approximately $448,000.
CMHC contributing $49 million in financing.
Catalyst Community Developments Society will operate the building.

6608-6652 Sussex Ave.:

53 rental homes for people with middle incomes; part of a development that will also include 285 strata units.
Currently under construction and expected to be complete in 2026.
The four-storey building will include studio, one- and two-bedroom units.
The Province is a providing a grant of $15.8 million for the 53 rental homes, as well as approximately $4.9 million in construction financing to Keltic Development through BC Housing's HousingHub.
The New Vista Society will operate the 53 rental homes.

3802 Hastings St.:

161 rental homes for seniors and families with low to moderate incomes.
The six-storey building will include studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units.
The project will also include a 74-space child-care facility.
Construction is expected to start in late 2023.
The Province is providing approximately $17.6 million through the Building BC: Community Housing Fund, plus an additional grant of $10.9 million to address cost pressures to ensure the project remains affordable.
The Ministry of Education and Child Care is providing a $6.8-million grant for the child- care spaces.
The land is owned by the City of Burnaby and will be leased to the non-profit operator at a nominal fee.
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Affordable Housing Society will operate the building.

6488 Byrnepark Dr.:

130 rental homes for Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals and families with low to moderate incomes.
The six-storey building will include studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units.
Construction is expected to start in late 2023.
The Province is providing approximately $14.7 million through the Building BC: Community Housing Fund, plus an additional grant $8.8 million to address cost pressures to ensure the project remains affordable.
The City of Burnaby is providing the land.
M'akola Housing Society will operate the building.

7492 Holly St.:

14 beds of supportive living for people who are living with mental illness and who may be experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have health care needs.
Construction is expected to start by fall 2023.
The Province is providing a grant of $4 million.
Progressive Housing Society is providing the land and will operate the building.
Fraser Health will provide annual operating funding.