New affordable homes and child care spaces are coming to residents in Victoria as construction has begun on a new mixed-use development.
The development is being erected at 3020 Douglas St. and 584 Burnside Road East and will include 100 new affordable homes for individuals, seniors and families and 54 new supportive homes for people experiencing homelessness.
The rental housing will include a mix of studio one-, two- and three-bedroom homes for people with moderate and low incomes.
For the supportive housing portion of the development, there will be 24/7 supports offered by the Victoria Cool Aid Society, which will also include daily meals, life-skills training, employment assistance and counselling. Physical and mental health resources, as well as access to treatment and recovery services, will also be available.
Residents of the site’s former Tally-Ho Motel, which has been converted into a temporary supportive housing development, will have the option of moving into the new homes upon completion of the building.
READ MORE: Victoria approves more than 100 new affordable apartments on former Tally-Ho property
“This unique project will benefit people in Victoria by providing child care spaces, affordable homes for seniors and working families, and safe, stable, supportive homes for people currently experiencing homelessness,” said Rob Fleming, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have in our community for years to come. We will continue to work in partnership to build the homes people need in the capital region and throughout the province.”
As part of the development, a new child care facility will be incorporated into the facility as well — operated by Beacon Community Services — providing 36 child care spaces to Victoria families.
“This is a fantastic project that will make a significant impact across the community. Combining affordable and supportive housing with daycare and commercial properties is an innovative use of space that contributes solutions where they’re needed most.”
In addition to the homes and child care spaces, the new development will include commercial space, a coffee shop and a public plaza.
The project will cost the Province $28.2 million for the 154 homes and $1.4 million to support the creation of the 36 new licensed child care spaces, while the City of Victoria will be adding $450,000 from its Housing Reserve Fund towards the project.
An annual operation fund totalling $1.8 million will also be provided by the B.C. government.
Construction of the facility is expected to be completed in the winter of 2023.
Graham Cox
