BURNABY - Seniors in need of affordable rental housing in Burnaby now have access to 145 new homes that will allow them to live independently and stay connected to their community.

"Too many seniors, especially those on fixed incomes, are being squeezed out of a tight rental market," said Raj Chouhan, MLA for Burnaby-Edmonds. "I am thrilled for the seniors who have a new place they can afford. Our government is working hard to create the partnerships needed to build even more projects like this to help people find a place to call home in their community."

Located at 4341 Rumble St., the four-storey McKay Apartments replaced nine aging duplex cottages. The new apartments are providing comfortable and secure homes for low- to moderate-income seniors and are near community amenities, retail areas and transit.

"We know that seniors are struggling to stay in the community they know and love, close to friends and family," said Anne Kang, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors. "Thanks to the opening of McKay Apartments, more than 140 seniors now have a home where they can age in place."

Fair Haven Homes Society has been providing low-cost housing for seniors for close to 70 years and will manage the building.

Delivering affordable housing is a shared commitment between government and the BC Green Party Caucus and is a part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement.

Quotes:

Mike Hurley, mayor, City of Burnaby -

"Today's announcement is an important step toward ensuring that Burnaby residents can continue to live here throughout all stages of their lives. I am very pleased to be part of the partnership that made this possible."

Joy Parsons, CEO, Fair Haven Homes Society -

"Fair Haven Homes is very proud to be able to welcome new tenants to the McKay Apartments. This project has been underway for more than six years and to see it complete is very rewarding. With support from dedicated volunteers, board members, professionals and staff, Fair Haven Homes has been able to achieve its mission of providing homes that nurture community and quality of life for seniors here at McKay Apartments."

Quick Facts:

• The Province, through BC Housing, provided $3 million in capital funding and $20.6 million in construction financing for the project.
• The City of Burnaby contributed municipal waivers in the amount of approximately $690,000.
• The Rotary Club of Burnaby contributed outdoor exercise equipment, valued at approximately $25,000.
• Rental rates for the Fair Haven project are:
  • Studio: $975/month
  • Accessible one bedroom: $1,300/month
  • One bedroom: $1,300/month
• To address the issue of housing affordability for British Columbians, the Province is curbing speculation in B.C.'s housing market and helping build 114,000 affordable market rental, non-profit, supported social housing and owner-purchase housing through partnerships.

Learn More:

To find out what the Province is doing to improve housing affordability, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/bc-government-addressing-housing-affordability-challenges

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

Contacts:

Pamela D'Souza
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
778 698-8228

Rajvir Rao
BC Housing
604 456-8917