Construction is expected to begin this fall on approximately 100 supportive housing units for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the Cowichan Valley.

BC Housing has acquired two sites B次元官网网址� 2983 Drinkwater Rd. in North Cowichan and 260 White Rd. in Duncan B次元官网网址� to develop what the agency describes as B次元官网网址渟afe, secure housing with wraparound supports.B次元官网网址�

Both facilities will consist of about 50 self-contained studio units. Residents will be provided with 24-hour on-site staff and support services, including meal programs, life and employment skills training, health and wellness services, and opportunities for volunteer work. Residents will be required to pay rent.

B次元官网网址淚 am pleased to see these projects move forward in our respective communities,B次元官网网址� North Cowichan Mayor Al Siebring said. B次元官网网址淚 have been a long-time proponent of permanent housing solutions with much-needed wraparound services. These units will help address homelessness both in North Cowichan and in the Cowichan Valley while giving our most vulnerable populations access to vital services.B次元官网网址�

Although BC Housing has the right to build where they want, regardless of zoning bylaws, both municipal councils were aware of the plans, and helped conduct research to determine the best locations for the facilities.

B次元官网网址淲e were the ones that actually identified the sites to them and said they might work,B次元官网网址� Siebring explained. B次元官网网址淭hey went out and bought them.B次元官网网址�

The provine purchased the Drinkwater Road site for $976,185 and the White Road site for $663,730 with money from the Supportive Housing Fund.

As with North Cowichan council, the government of Duncan is also supportive of the plans.

B次元官网网址淒uncan city council has identified working to address the homelessness and opioid crisis as top priorities for this term,B次元官网网址� Duncan Mayor Michelle Staples said. B次元官网网址淪ervice providers and health-care professionals have been asking for supportive housing with wraparound services, including treatment options and safe supply, for many years. These projects are yet another example of what becomes possible when we define a goal, commit to action and work together as local and provincial governments to meet the needs in our communities.B次元官网网址�

The NDP provincial government and the Green Party caucus have identified affordable housing as a priority, and both area MLAs voiced their support for the new housing.

B次元官网网址淭he need for safe, secure housing has never been more important,B次元官网网址� said Nanaimo-North Cowichan NDP MLA Doug Routley. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e taking urgent action with our partners to provide these homes for people in the Cowichan Valley because when people have housing and supports, itB次元官网网址檚 good for everyone in the community.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淧ermanent housing for all citizens is essential for healthy individuals, healthy communities and healthy societies,B次元官网网址� said Cowichan Valley Green Party MLA Sonia Furstenau. B次元官网网址淭his investment in Cowichan comes as a result of the government responding to the united calls from local housing advocates, health-care providers and leaders in our community.B次元官网网址�

Cowichan Tribes Chief William Seymour also expressed his support.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 pleased to be working with our neighboring communities to address the homelessness or those at risk of becoming homeless,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淭his gives them an opportunity to have a safe and secure home, especially during this pandemic era. This is a much-needed resource in the Cowichan community.B次元官网网址�

BC Housing says it will set up committees in both municipalities to oversee integration of the supportive housing within the community and address concerns raised as the projects move forward. The committees will be established prior to the housing opening.

That kind of consultation with the community and its role in the success of a similar development in Parksville are part of the reason Siebring supports the Drinkwater Road venture.

When BC Housing first proposed the site in Parksville, the community was B次元官网网址渦p in arms,B次元官网网址� Siebring explained, but BC Housing offered to have weekly consultation meetings with area residents. Those weekly meetings became monthly, and are now quarterly, B次元官网网址渂ecause the support systems work.B次元官网网址�

Governments in the Cowichan Valley have made it a priority to learn lessons from the failures and successes of other communities, Siebring noted, and developments like these have a positive history.

B次元官网网址淲e have the track record that this works,B次元官网网址� Siebring said.

BC Housing will reach out to the community with more options for engagement over the next few weeks. To find out more about the projects, ask questions and provide input, community members can connect with BC Housing here at