The Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia (B.C.) are launching a new, $123-million Seniors’ Rental Housing Initiative to build up to 1,000 new housing units for seniors. Premier Gordon Campbell and The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State for Sport, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), made the announcement that the new seniors’ rental housing will be created through partnerships with municipalities, non-profit housing providers and the private sector. The construction of the first 218 units will start in 19 communities and the provincial and federal governments will provide matching contributions of $61.79 million that will create almost 800 jobs.
“Providing safe, secure, and affordable housing helps seniors and people with disabilities improve their lives,” said Premier Campbell. “We’re investing $469 million each year in housing support programs like this, and more than 85,000 households across B.C. are benefiting. Working with the Government of Canada, these projects are getting started right away, helping not only the individuals in need, but also the construction and related industries who are building and supplying these homes.”
