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Kimberley lone EK community to get project
Province details $516 in affordable housing projects
The B.C. government today announced a funding commitment of $516 million toward affordable rental housing in the province, with 68 projects announced.
The projects are expected to produce close to 2,900 new units of housing and produce 5,500 jobs.
“This is why we continue to work so hard to build Canada’s leading economy,” stated Premier Christy Clark. “It gives us the ability to make significant investments, put British Columbians first, and take immediate action to increase the rental supply in communities throughout B.C.”
The new housing projects will serve a wide range of needs including low-to-moderate-income renters, seniors, youth, adults with developmental disabilities, Aboriginal people and women and children.
Among the 68 projects are in the Kootenays, amounting to 86 units. Only one project is located in the East Kootenay, in Kimberley (eight units).
The rest are in the Central Kootenay: Creston – one project / nine units; Nakusp – one project / nine units; Nelson – one project/ 48 units; and Slocan Valley – one project / 12 units.
“Recognizing the need for more affordable rental housing in the province, we have acted quickly, approving the development of these projects,” said Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development and Responsible for Housing. “We will continue to partner with all levels of government, non-profit housing providers and the private sector to make sure we increase housing and rental supply to meet demand.”
In September, the province announced a $500 million investment which is the largest single-year housing investment by any province in Canada.
When added to February’s five-year, $355 million investment, the B.C. government has announced a total of $855 million for affordable housing this year.
A Ministry of Natural Gas Development and Responsible for Housing press release noted details for remaining housing projects will be announced later this fiscal year.
The release did not provide any details on the funded projects.
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