Affordable homes underway for people in Quesnel

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

People with low to moderate incomes in Quesnel, including Indigenous Elders, seniors and families, will soon have access to safe, affordable housing with construction underway on 35 new rental homes.

“This project is more than just housing,” said the Hon. Christine Boyle, BC's Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “It’s about creating a safe and culturally appropriate place for people living in Quesnel. These new rental homes will provide stability to people, helping growing families, individuals, seniors, people living with disabilities and Indigenous people find homes that meet their needs.”

The five-storey building at 319 North Fraser Dr. will include 35 studio, one- and two-bedroom homes, with some that are accessible or adaptable to meet the needs of seniors and people with mobility requirements. The building is designed to bring together Indigenous Elders, families and young adults in a vibrant, intergenerational community.

The Quesnel Tillicum Society will own and operate the new homes when they open in 2027. Since the building is located next to the society’s child care centre and friendship centre, tenants will have the opportunity to connect to a broader network of culturally grounded programs and services. In addition to safe, affordable housing, residents will benefit from access to supports for their families and opportunities to engage with the community.

“We at the Quesnel Tillicum Society are proud to work with the Province to provide affordable homes for Indigenous families,” said Tony Goulet, executive director, Quesnel Tillicum Society. “This partnership is an important part of providing our region with housing that supports culture, family and community.”

Tenant selection will be managed by the society, with priority given to Indigenous households with low to moderate incomes. The Province, through BC Housing, provided approximately $23 million toward the project.

These homes are part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has more than 93,600 homes delivered or underway, including more than 2,900 homes in northern B.C.

Learn More:

To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for people in British Columbia, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/

A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available here:  https://www.bchousing.org/projects-partners/Building-BC/homes-for-BC

To learn how BC Housing is helping to build strong, inclusive housing communities, visit: https://www.bchousing.org/podcast

New affordable homes coming for Williams Lake seniors

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Seniors will soon have access to 36 affordable homes in Williams Lake as construction begins on Glen Arbor Phase II.

“Seniors in Williams Lake want the option to live independently, but for those with low or moderate incomes, global inflation and a housing shortage can make it challenging to find an affordable place to live,” said the Hon. Ravi Kahlon, BC's Minister of Housing. “Glen Arbor Phase II is part of our Homes for People action plan to increase affordable housing throughout the Province.”

Located at 564 Oliver St., Glen Arbor Phase II is a five-storey building offering 36 one-bedroom units for independent seniors with low to moderate incomes. Eight of the ground-floor units are wheelchair accessible. This project will allow Williams Lake seniors to age in place and stay connected to their community, to families and services.

“We are proud to support this project that will allow seniors to continue living in their communities, close to their families and loved ones,” said Sean Fraser, federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “After a lifetime of contributions to their country, they deserve nothing less.”

Glen Arbor Phase II is connected to the Glen Arbor Seniors Residence (Phase I) via hallways on the first, second and third floors. Both phases are owned and operated by the Cariboo Park Housing Society, which expects to begin welcoming tenants in spring 2026.

“Affordable, accessible seniors’ housing is a priority, and I’m pleased to see this project underway,” said Surinderpal Rathor, Mayor of Williams Lake. “Our thanks to the Cariboo Park Home Society for their dedication and to the Province, through BC Housing, and the federal government, through Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, for their investment in our community.”

The development is in the downtown area and near amenities and services, such as grocery stores, city hall, a health facility, a seniors’ activity centre, a post office and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police detachment are all within walking distance.

“We are very pleased this project is now underway,” said Walt Cobb, president, Cariboo Park Housing Society. “A strategic priority of the board for over eight years, intensive project planning began three years ago when we received provisional approval. We are also pleased that local contractor Lauren Brothers was the successful bidder.”

This project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has nearly 78,000 homes that have been delivered or are underway, including 75 homes through BC Housing in Williams Lake.

Quick Facts:

Funding provided for this project:

• The Province, through BC Housing, is providing a grant of approximately $4 million through the Building BC: Community Housing Fund.
• The federal government, through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, contributed $1.4 million.
• The Cariboo Park Housing Society contributed $220,000 in land equity for the project.
• In April 2024, the Province announced improvements to the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) program that will allow an estimated 4,800 more seniors to qualify.
• Residents may apply to the SAFER program, which provides seniors a one-time rental benefit of $430.

Learn More:

For more information about the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters program, visit: https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/rental-assistance-programs/SAFER

To learn more about government's new Homes for People action plan, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023HOUS0019-000436

To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing

To find out about the National Housing Strategy, visit: http://www.placetocallhome.ca

For information about Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, visit: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca

New affordable homes for Indigenous people in Quesnel open

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Twenty-six new affordable rental homes are now open for Indigenous Elders, couples and people living with disabilities in Quesnel.

The Province, through BC Housing, partnered with the Dakelh & Quesnel Community Housing Society (DQCHS) to build Stepping Stone, a three-storey building at 109 Bowron Ave. The building consists of 26 one-bedroom units, including three accessible and 14 adaptable homes.

“The opening of Stepping Stone is exceptional news, as it will help more Indigenous people in Quesnel live affordably, close to family, community and culture,” said the Hon. Ravi Kahlon, BC Minister of Housing. “Our government will continue to work with Indigenous housing organizations like the Dakelh & Quesnel Community Housing Society to make sure more Indigenous people have access to housing that meets their needs in communities throughout B.C.”

Stepping Stone, operated by DQCHS, includes culturally specific amenities, such as an Indigenous food storage area, along with other common spaces such as shared laundry and amenity rooms. Residents started moving into their new homes in January 2023.

“Dakelh & Quesnel Community Housing Society is very excited to have opened Stepping Stone,” said Luanne Ruotsalainen, executive director, DQCHS. “We offer supports to our tenants so they can continue to live a clean and sober lifestyle. There is also Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous groups run out of the building to further support tenants.”

The Province, through BC Housing, provided a $5.5-million grant from the Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund for the project, and will provide approximately $347,000 in annual operating funding. DQCHS providing equity and the land for the project, totalling approximately $639,000.

“These housing units will help families not only have the shelter they need to heal and thrive, they also help provide culturally supportive community connections that are critically needed for Indigenous people living in urban and rural parts of BC,” said Margaret Pfoh, CEO, Aboriginal Housing Management Association. “The impact that safe, affordable, trauma-informed housing can have on community well-being and individual wellness can’t be underestimated. Housing is a key component to ending cycles of poverty that have been left unaddressed for far too long.”

The project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has delivered more than 74,000 new homes that have been completed or are underway, including 122 homes in Quesnel.

Learn More:

To learn more about government’s new Homes for People action plan, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023HOUS0019-000436

A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available online: https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC

To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians, visit: https://workingforyou.gov.bc.ca/