People at risk of homelessness, including those who are aboriginal, will soon have access to more than 30 new units of affordable housing in Courtenay.
Following the September 2016 announcement of a $500-million investment in affordable rental housing, the B.C. government has approved $3 million in capital funding for a new housing project in the community.
The M'aKola Housing Society, in partnership with the Wachiay Friendship Centre, will receive the provincial funding toward a project providing 34 units at 810 Braidwood Rd.
"We've been working very hard over the past several years to get this project off the ground, and this grant represents a giant leap forward,” said Courtenay Mayor Larry Jangula. “Our project team can now concentrate on the important work of actually building this housing and developing a safe, attractive, welcoming facility."
"Addressing the issues of homelessness and affordable housing has been a focus of the Wachiay Friendship Centre for many years,” said Roger Kishi, Wachiay's homelessness and housing programs director. “The Braidwood Project is a result of many years of work with community partners, and is an important part toward solutions for the Comox Valley."BC Housing will work with the partners to fully develop the project plans and ensure the proper rezoning and consultation is considered and confirmed before construction.
"Everyone has a right to feel safe and secure before they go to bed at night,” said Don McRae, MLA for Comox Valley. “This project will make Courtenay a better community and more able to prevent people from falling into homelessness."
Construction is expected to begin in summer 2017, with completion projected for summer 2018.