December 11, 2009
Supportive Housing Expansion Breaks Ground in North Van

NORTH VANCOUVER - A $1.7-million partnership between the Province, the City of North Vancouver and the Marineview Housing Society will provide an expansion of nine new units of affordable and supportive housing for mental health clients at Chesterfield House, announced Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations and MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale.

"We are proud to partner with the City and the Marineview Housing Society to create affordable and appropriate housing for individuals in need," said Yamamoto. "This new addition will bring much-needed housing with integrated support services, so more individuals with mental health issues can live independently in our community."

The Province and City of North Vancouver each provided a grant of $675,000, and Marineview Housing Society provided $405,000 for the expansion of the building. Construction of the nine-unit expansion started in October and, once completed, will convert the building into a 24-unit development. In 2007, Chesterfield House was purchased through a joint partnership between the Province, the City and the Marineview Housing Society to address the need for supportive housing in the North Vancouver area.

"Creating more affordable housing to meet the needs of our diverse community is a priority for our City," said Mayor Darrell Mussatto, City of North Vancouver. "These additional units at Chesterfield House will benefit the residents, and we look forward to seeing the units completed."

In addition, upgrades to the existing building will take place during construction, including the installation of a fire sprinkler system, an elevator, new windows, water fixtures and renovation of the communal amenity spaces.

Chesterfield House is managed and operated by Marineview Housing Society, which provides housing and support services for persons living with mental health issues.

"Our society is dedicated to providing safe, affordable housing for people on the North Shore living with mental health issues, said John D'Eathe, chair of Marineview Housing Society. "We are pleased to once again partner with the Province and City of North Vancouver to expand our services and help members of our community."

In 2009-10, the Province's budget for social housing is approximately $450 million, more than three times as much as in 2001.

'Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness' is a website providing a comprehensive and detailed look at provincial programs and services to address homelessness. Visit www.bchousing.org/breakingthecycle for more information.

-30-