The concept drawing of the Oak Park redevelopment on Goldstream Avenue in Langford. It is one of two affordable housing projects announced for Langford and Sooke. Photo courtesy Pacifica Housing.
The province announced their partnership with the city of Langford and the District of Sooke to bring 115 affordable housing units to the West Shore.
” We are talking about housing and homes with 3-4 bedrooms which is very difficult to find. We’ve certainly heard from people all across British Columbia that they are looking for housing and homes where they can raise their families,” said BC Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs Selina Robinson.
In Langford, the province is contributing $7.5 million for 73 rental units currently being built on Goldstream Avenue.
” Its part of what we are trying to do in the city. Create affordable housing opportunities in the city for many different levels of income and making sure we have a well-rounded community,” said Langford Mayor Stew Young.
Young says housing affordability has always been a top priority. For the past 25 years, every time the city approves market housing young says they take money from the developers and partner with them to continue investing in more affordable housing.
Executive Director with Pacifica housing Dean Fortin says this is just the first phase of what they have planned for the redevelopment.
“Our goal is, once phase one is complete we will have the opportunity to build another 82 units in the back. In the end, putting about 152 units in that area in a nice phased approach,” said Fortin.
It is expected to open by the end of the year, with a projected monthly rent of $800 for a studio apartment to $1,700 for a four-bedroom home.
A new complex will be built in Sooke that will have 42 housing units, a cafe and church annex, along with a community amenity space in the 2100-block of Church Road.
The province will contribute $5.35 million for the new homes.
It is expected to open early next year with an estimated monthly rental price of $875 for a one-bedroom suite to $1,300 for a three-bedroom apartment.
The Knox Vision Society will operate the new facility in Sooke.
Andy Neal
