April 8, 2009
Eight new modular housing units for seniors and persons with disabilities will be created in Baynes Lake, announced East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett.
“This is part of a new housing initiative that provides opportunities to create affordable housing in some of the smaller communities across the province,” said Bennett. “Seniors and persons with disabilities will have a wider range of choices as a result of this new housing.”
The eight housing units will be created in Baynes Lake on a site owned by the regional district.
These units are part of the new Seniors’ Rental Housing initiative, which will create up to 1,000 new housing units across the province. Construction of the first 218 units will start in 19 communities over the next few months, and will create close to 800 jobs.
The Seniors’ Rental Housing initiative will focus on promoting partnerships with municipalities, non-profit housing providers and the private sector, and will in most cases use modular, manufactured housing construction that promotes wood product use.
This new initiative is part of an overall $14-billion capital infrastructure program supported by the Province that will create up to 88,000 jobs and help build vital public infrastructure in every region of the province. The total provincial contribution to affordable housing and shelter this year is $469 million, more than four times as much as in 2001.
A comprehensive overview of provincial housing programs and services to address homelessness can be viewed at www.bchousing.org/breakingthecycle.
Media Contact:
Seumas Gordon
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Housing and Social Development
250 387-6490
250 818-4508 cell
