WATCH: The housing crisis is getting some much-needed help with two new affordable housing projects worth $9.5 million
The housing crisis in Greater Victoria and surrounding areas is getting some much-needed help with new affordable rental housing.
Two projects, one for Victoria and the other for Salt Spring Island, will be receive $9.5 million dollars.
It’s part of the province’s ‘housing first program’ announced in October aimed at creating 2,000 new units.
Salt Spring will receive $4.5 million and the Victoria Cool Aid Society will get $5 million for the redevelopment of an existing supportive housing complex on Gorge Road East.
Both developments will provide housing for the chronically homeless and affordable rental units.
“We have an affordable housing crisis in Greater Victoria so going from 21 units to what we hope to get on the site, which is around 82 units will be an amazing accomplishment and go a long way to making a dent in the need,” says Kathy Stinson of Victoria Cool Aid.
During redevelopment, all existing tenants will be re-housed and will then have first dibs on moving into the new building.
The projects are a partnership between the province, the Capital Regional District and Island Health.
Tess van Straaten
