Three affordable housing projects in Burnaby were recently approved by the province to build more rental options for local seniors, as well as Indigenous and low-income families.
The B.C. government listed 17 projects involved in its third intake of the Building BC: Community Housing Fund (CHF) that'll create almost 2,000 new rentals.
Burnaby's trio of green-lit applications included a combined 232 rental units, broken down in partnership with the following nonprofit organizations:
- The New Vista Society
- 118 homes for individuals, families and seniors
- 4170 James St.
- M'akola Housing Society
- 66 homes for Indigenous and non-Indigenous families and seniors
- 7000 Lougheed Hwy.
- Action Line Housing Society
- 48 homes for seniors
- 3755 McGill St.
"The housing crisis is hitting people with low and moderate incomes especially hard," said Burnaby North MLA Janet Routledge in a news release. The funding announcement took place last Tuesday, March 19.
"These new rental homes will make a difference to people in Burnaby, helping more people to find a decent home in the community they love."
The CHF, a $3.3-billion investment, has funded 12,500 rental homes constructed across B.C. since 2018.
The goal is to build more than 20,000 for people with moderate and low incomes by 2031-32.
Under the program, residents of 70 per cent of the suites pay rent geared to their income.
"The Community Housing Fund is a key part of the action we’re taking to deliver affordable housing faster," added Anne Kang, MLA for Burnaby-Deer Lake.
"These 232 new rental homes mean more people will benefit from affordable housing right here in Burnaby."
According to the province, the latest projects were approved based on criteria that included "prioritized populations" and the overall impact the project would have on the community.
- with a file from Janis Cleugh, Tri-City News
