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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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Ministry of Forests and Range and Minister responsible for Housing |
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NEW SUPPORTIVE HOUSING TO HELP HOMELESS IN
KELOWNA |
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KELOWNA – The Province and the City of Kelowna have agreed to create up to 140 new supportive housing units on three City-owned sites to be built by 2010, Minister responsible for Housing Rich Coleman and Mayor Sharon Shepherd announced today.
“The Province is partnering with the City of Kelowna to create housing with support services for those in greatest need,” said Coleman. “This agreement ensures construction can begin as soon as possible, with the City contributing much-needed land and the Province funding pre-development costs.”
“The City of Kelowna recognizes that supportive housing is needed in
neighbourhoods throughout Kelowna and we’re pleased to be able to partner with
the Province to build capacity in our community at all levels of care,” said
Shepherd. “We’re ready to move forward on these City-owned sites so additional
assistance can be offered to those in our community who need a helping hand.”
Properties at 330 Boyce Crescent and 195 Rutland Road North will be developed with housing units for low-income singles who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Each development will have 30 to 50 units of apartment-style housing and space for supportive services. A proposal call seeking non-profit housing organizations to manage and operate the housing, and plans for support services, will be issued this spring by the Province.
“The new homes will provide security and structure to people’s lives,” said Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Al Horning. “In addition to the certainty that housing brings, support programs will connect residents to appropriate social and health services, allowing them to concentrate on stabilizing and improving their lives.”
A third property at 2938 Tutt St. will be developed with up to 40 larger family-type units for women and children. This site will be operated and managed by New Opportunities for Women (NOW) Canada Society.
“Safe, affordable housing is a fundamental requirement for everyone and especially necessary for women and children,” said Liz Talbott, executive director of NOW Canada Society. “This development will enable NOW to provide a safe home and necessary supportive services for women with a proven financial need who require a little extra help.”
Construction is expected to start in early 2009. The City approval process will be consistent with established policies and practices for development permit applications. The Province has agreed to arrange for the buildings’ capital and operating funding. Building costs are estimated to be around $30 million.
The Province’s contribution to pay
for pre-development costs is part of the Provincial Homelessness Initiative,
which has committed to the creation of more than 4,000 new and upgraded supportive
housing units across B.C. The
Province’s agreement with Kelowna follows similar memoranda of understanding to
fast-track up to 1,200 units in Vancouver and up to 170 units in Victoria.
Budget 2008 increased the amount the Province invests in affordable housing and
shelters to more than $380 million a year, more than
three times as much as in 2001.
Details on this initiative can be found at
www.bchousing.org/programs/homelessness/municipal_approvals
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contact: |
BC Housing 604 314-1458
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City of Kelowna 250 469-8663
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NOW Canada Society 250 763-3876
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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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