October 14, 2009
North Shore Social Housing Benefits from B.C. - Canada Partnership

NORTH VANCOUVER – The Governments of Canada and British Columbia announced more than $5.9 million as part of a cost-shared Housing Renovation Partnership (HRP).  The joint agreement will provide funding to renovate and retrofit North Shore social housing where necessary, creating jobs and helping those most in need.

“This is great news for the North Shore. All of these organizations provide vital housing services for our residents,” says North Vancouver-Lonsdale MLA Naomi Yamamoto. “Through this initiative, we can improve environmental sustainability while keeping the economy moving.”

“Mount Seymour Lions Housing Society provides valuable housing services for the seniors in North Vancouver and their work will be enhanced by this investment with the federal government,” says North Vancouver-Seymour MLA Jane Thornthwaite. “These investments ensure these housing developments are up-to-date with the latest in environmentally sustainable technology.”

“We have a challenging housing market here on the North Shore and the Sunnyside Manor provides housing for seniors that may not be able to otherwise find appropriate accommodation,” says West Vancouver-Capilano MLA Ralph Sultan. “Through partnership, these investments provide much needed improvements to this valuable resource.”

“These investments show the benefits of partnership between our government and the provincial government,” says West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky Country MP John Weston. “Governments are listening to the needs of every community and every demographic group. We're also providing jobs for residents and their families.”

“This is another great example of the power of partnerships. Our government, working with the province, is creating jobs in our community, while ensuring the long term sustainability of North Shore social housing units,” says North Vancouver MP Andrew Saxton.

The following social housing developments will receive the funding for repairs and renovations, focusing on mechanical and sustainability upgrades:

In North Vancouver, Grant McNeil will receiving $3,120,320 for sustainability upgrades; Lions Manor/Mount Seymour Lions Housing Society will receiving $1,671,600 for elevator, lighting and sustainability upgrades; and Capilano House will receiving $631,868 for mechanical and sustainability upgrades.

In West Vancouver, Sunnyside Manor will receiving $497,500 for building envelope renewal, fire alarms and sustainability upgrades.

Mechanical upgrades involve boiler work, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, and toilets, while sustainability upgrades include installing low flow fixtures, boiler upgrades, lighting retrofits, building air sealing, and improvements to exterior envelopes for enhanced thermal performance.

Of the total $176.76 million announced for projects across B.C., the majority of the funding, $163.7 million will be directed toward repairs at 81 social housing developments. The remainder of the funding, $13.06 million is being allocated to renovations that are underway at provincially-owned Single Room Occupancy (SRO) hotels.

The funding was made available as a result of a $365-million joint investment under an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement which includes funding through Canada’s Economic Action Plan and by the Government of British Columbia.

This new initiative is part of an overall $14-billion capital infrastructure program launched by the Province that will create up to 88,000 jobs over three years and help build vital public infrastructure in every region of the province.

Through Housing Matters BC, the Province is addressing a range of housing needs, from homelessness to affordable rental housing and homeownership.  In 2009, the provincial housing budget is approximately $450 million, more than three times as much as in 2001.  To find out more about affordable housing in B.C., visit www.bchousing.org.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan.  For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, call 1-800-O Canada or visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

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