Printer-friendly version
|
|
NEWS RELEASE
|
For Immediate Release November 20, 2009 |
Ministry of Housing and Social Development
|
NEW $12.2-MILLION AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPENS IN VERNON
VERNON – Families will have better access to affordable housing and child-care services after today’s official opening of Kickwillie Place, a new $12.2-million development, providing 40 units of affordable housing and an onsite child-care facility in Vernon, announced Eric Foster, MLA for Vernon-Monashee.
“Our government is committed to providing affordable and appropriate housing to meet the needs of families and individuals in communities across British Columbia,” said Foster. “This new development will benefit our community by providing stable housing and child-care opportunities for people in need.”
The Province provided $11.2 million through the Aboriginal Housing Initiative (AHI) and a $210,000 grant through the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) for a 16-space multi-age child-care centre. The City of Vernon provided a 60-year lease on the land, valued at $900,000.
“Kickwillie Place will give children an opportunity to attend child care in a safe, caring
environment, close to home,” said Mary Polak, Minister of Children and Family
Development and Minister Responsible for Child Care. “A project like this does
more than create child-care spaces – it meets a variety of community needs at
once, supports families and demonstrates the value of strong partnerships to
accomplish our goals.”
“Increasing affordable housing in Vernon is highly supported by our city council,” said Vernon mayor Wayne Lippert. “The City of Vernon is proud to be a partner in this development because building a better life begins with access to stable and affordable housing.”
Vernon Native Housing Society (VNHS) will operate and manage the development. The society was one of the successful proponents following a proposal call for AHI housing developments issued in 2007 in consultation with the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA). Formed in B.C. in the mid-1990s, AHMA is the only Aboriginal social housing management agency in Canada.
“We strive to be innovative leaders who are committed to exploring new ways of providing supportive housing to Aboriginal people in Canada,” said Margaret Pfoh, president of AHMA, “The Aboriginal Housing Initiative provides new resources to create a range of affordable housing options. This development will give Vernon Native Housing Society the ability to help more people in need of affordable housing.”
“Our mission is to enhance the living conditions of urban people in Vernon and we are pleased to partner with the Province and municipality to meet our purpose.” said Val Chiba, president of VNHS. “With the opening of Kickwillie Place, we are able to provide clean and comfortable housing for low-income families and individuals in greatest need.”
The Aboriginal Housing Initiative has allocated 200 housing units in eight communities across the province. The units are being funded with $50.9 million in one-time funds through the Off-Reserve Aboriginal Housing Trust, which was transferred from the Government of Canada to the Province, and is designed to address the housing needs of clients, like those of the Vernon Native Housing Society. The Province is working in consultation with AHMA to administer the trust.
In 2009/10, the Province's budget for social housing is approximately $450 million, more than three times as much as in 2001.
For a comprehensive and detailed look at provincial programs and services to address homelessness, visit the 'Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness' website www.bchousing.org/breakingthecycle for more information.
-30-
|
|
|
|
BACKGROUNDER
|
|
|
KICKWILLIE PLACE
Vernon Native Housing Society’s Kickwillie Place, located at 4305 19th Ave. in Vernon, provides 40 units of affordable housing f or families at risk of homelessness and a 16-space child-care centre.
The building is comprised of 26 mixed one- and two-bedroom apartment units and 14 mixed three- and four-bedroom townhouse units. The child-care centre includes a kitchen area and a large amenities space.
Operations at the child-care centre will begin in December 2009.
Partners and Funding
The capital cost of this project is $12,267,558:
· The Province provided a capital grant of $11,157,558 through the Aboriginal Housing Initiative.
· The Ministry of Children and Family Development provided a grant of $210,000.
· The City of Vernon provided a 60-year lease to the society for a nominal amount (the land is valued at $900,000).
VERNON NATIVE HOUSING SOCIETY
Vernon Native Housing Society (VNHS) was incorporated as a non-profit society in 1989. The purpose of VNHS is to enhance living conditions by ensuring safe, clean, comfortable and affordable rental housing for residents of the City of Vernon. VNHS currently operates 62 units of affordable housing for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal families, singles and persons with disabilities. VNHS also has three BC Housing portable subsidies (which allow the tenants flexibility in where they choose to live).
-30-
|
Contact:
|
Rhonda Nguyen BC Housing 604 439-4740 604 374-8301 |
|
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.
