NELSON - Forty-three new affordable rental homes will provide a safe, caring environment where families can raise their children and seniors can age in their community.

"Families and seniors are struggling just to keep up with the cost of living and we know that finding affordable housing remains a big challenge," said Michelle Mungall, MLA for Nelson- Creston, on behalf of Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. "These new rental homes will help ease the burden on families and help make life better for people in Nelson."

The project will include studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom and accessible units within a four-storey apartment and townhouse complex. It also includes office space for the Nelson CARES Society, the organization leading the development that will own and operate the complex for low- to moderate-income families and seniors once it's completed.

The rate structure for the rentals will include 20% at the provincial shelter rate ($375), 50% at rent that is geared to income and 30% will be near market rate.

The project is a collaboration between government, business and community partners. Nelson CARES Society is receiving $4.5 million from the Province to help build the housing project. The City of Nelson is providing approximately $27,000 and Columbia Basin Trust is providing $542,400. Culos Developments Group will build the complex.

Site preparation for the development has started. Completion is estimated for fall 2020.

The development is part of the first series of projects selected to receive funding through the Province's Building BC: Community Housing Fund, a $1.9-billion investment over 10 years, to build more than 14,000 affordable rental homes for seniors, families and low- and middle- income earners.

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

Quotes:

John Dooley, mayor, City of Nelson -

"I would like to thank the provincial government for bringing the capital dollars to the table that make projects such as this viable. I would also like to thank Nelson CARES for its ongoing commitment in providing affordable housing in our community. The key partnerships they have fostered over the years, including that of the city, have been critical to their success and I am pleased they are adding more affordable housing units to our inventory here in Nelson."

Johnny Strilaeff, president and CEO, Columbia Basin Trust -

"We know that a range of housing options is essential for healthy and resilient communities. Our priority is to help ensure residents have access to housing that meets their needs, and thanks to the hard work of the Nelson CARES Society, 43 families and seniors will soon have access to new, affordable housing in Nelson."

Jenny Robinson, executive director, Nelson CARES Society -

"Nelson has had a 0% vacancy rate for five years, one of the lowest in the province. This has seriously eroded affordability in the community. These new units, subsidized through BC Housing, will make a big difference in the community. We are very excited to get them built."

Michael A. Culos, president, Culos Developments Group -

"We are honoured to partner with the provincial and local governments, Columbia Basin Trust and the Nelson CARES Society to develop this much-needed housing in the community of Nelson."

Quick Facts:

• The first round of projects under the Community Housing Fund are underway in 42 communities and will provide 4,900 new, affordable rental homes.
• The Community Housing Fund was launched in Budget 2018 as part of the Province's housing plan. The plan outlines the largest investment in affordable housing in B.C.'s history - more than $7 billion over 10 years. Through this investment, the Province will work in partnership to create 114,000 new, affordable homes.
• People throughout the Interior will benefit from new Building BC housing funds with initial commitments of $92 million for more than 900 units of affordable housing. This includes:
  • Community Housing Fund: $63.2 million for 673 mixed-income homes;
  • Indigenous Housing Fund: $29.5 million for 148 homes for Indigenous peoples; and
  • Women's Transition Housing Fund: 87 homes in three projects to provide safe housing for women and children leaving violence.

Learn More:

Read Homes for B.C., government's 10-year plan to address housing affordability for British Columbians: bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2018/homesbc/2018_Homes_For_BC.pdf

To find out what the Province has done to date, visit: news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/bc-government-addressing-housing-affordability-challenges

Information about the Building BC: Community Housing Fund and a map of the approved projects can be found here: bchousing.org/CHF

Columbia Basin Trust: ourtrust.org/housing

Contacts:

Melanie Kilpatrick
Media Relations
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
778 698-9176

Rajvir Rao
BC Housing
604 456-8917