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TUMBLER
RIDGE – The Province has acquired
Chamberlain Place, a housing development in the District of Tumbler Ridge, for
$1 million, to be managed as part of BC Housing’s public housing stock.
“There
is a definite need for improved access to affordable housing for low-income and
working families in this community and the surrounding area,” said Peace River
South MLA Blair Lekstrom, on behalf of Minister responsible for Housing Rich
Coleman. “This is part of the provincial government’s commitment to work with
local governments to increase affordable housing options, enabling low-income
families and singles to stay in the communities where they work.”
BC
Housing has purchased Chamberlain Place, a 20-unit family housing development,
from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), who had been using the
development as a market rental property.
Once
owned and operated by the Tumbler Ridge Housing Co-operative, it was built in
1985 and consists of six one-bedroom units in two separate triplexes, six
two-bedroom units and eight three-bedroom units in six separate duplexes.
In
addition to the $1-million investment in the development, BC Housing will
undertake immediate upgrades, including the replacement of appliances, complete
renovations to two units with fire and water damage, installation of new
furnaces and water tanks, and general repairs throughout. Ten of the units will
be available for low-income singles and families at below-market rents, with
the other 10 units at market rent.
“The
District of Tumbler Ridge is pleased that BC Housing has made this commitment
to our community,” said Tumbler Ridge Mayor Mike Caisley. “We look forward to
working with BC Housing in an effort to address the housing needs of our
community.”
Earlier
this fall, the Province released its new housing strategy, Housing Matters BC.
The comprehensive strategy is designed to help British Columbians access
affordable housing, and brings the provincial budget for shelter and housing to
$218 million, nearly double what it was in 2001. The strategy includes a
new Rental Assistance Program for low-income, working families who earn $20,000
or less and commits to the creation of 450 new supportive housing
units and 550 new assisted living units across the province.
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contact: |
BC Housing 604 439-4758 604 417-1298 (cell) |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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