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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
VICTORIA – A $380,000 grant from the Province’s Housing Endowment Fund is enabling the Cortes Island Seniors Society to begin the construction of six new cottages for seniors.
“These homes will provide Islanders with high quality and affordable seniors’ housing,” said Minister responsible for Housing, Rich Coleman. “The Province invested $250 million in the Housing Endowment Fund so organizations such as the Cortes Island Seniors Society can try innovative new programs that are not traditionally available for funding.”
The six cottages are being built on a site owned by the Cortes Island Seniors Society and will offer affordable housing for low to moderate income seniors. Construction is anticipated to be complete by April 2009. Support services will be provided by the community and the society anticipates local volunteer support in the construction of these units.
“Our partnership with the Province will allow us to effectively support the seniors in our community,” said Susan Ellingsen, president of the society. “This project will give seniors the opportunity to live in the community they helped build. The Cortes community has banded together to make this project a reality.”
The $250-million Housing Endowment Fund was established in the 2007
provincial budget. The fund generates investment revenue of approximately $10
million a year, which is used to fund and support innovative housing solutions.
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.
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contact: |
BC Housing 604 456-8845 604 374-4534 (cell) |
Director Cortes Island Seniors Society 250 935-6500 |
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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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