Local officials promise a new Saanich housing project now under construction will improve the affordable housing supply, while tempering expectations.
The Westview project now under construction near the Campus of Care off Carey Road adds 73 housing units for seniors, adults with disabilities, working singles and families, in a four-storey building.
B次元官网网址淭his is going to allow individuals and families to find more affordable housing that currently doesnB次元官网网址檛 exist at the moment,B次元官网网址� said Saanich Mayor Richard Atwell. B次元官网网址淲e have got this very low vacancy rate we have had for many, many, many years, so the more that can be built in the right location in harmony with the neighbourhood, the better for us, and the local economy here in Saanich that is supported by a level of affordable housing.B次元官网网址�
With interest rates low and governments once again investing resources into housing after their retrenchment in previous decades, this is the ideal time to build more projects like this, he said.
Atwell acknowledged that WednesdayB次元官网网址檚 announcement represents just a start in predicting that more buildings of this sort will appear in the future as Saanich continues to grapple with the B次元官网网址渁ffordability crisisB次元官网网址� that currently grips the area.
Other speakers offered similar comments after a ground-breaking ceremony that included Sidney Mayor Steve Price, who also chairs the Capital Regional District (CRD), View Royal Mayor David Screech, who sits on the board of the Capital Regional Housing Corporation (CRHC), and Couns. Judy Brownoff and Susan Brice.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a start,B次元官网网址� said Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South.B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 not going to solve the problem of affordability, but it is definitely going to give options for people who donB次元官网网址檛 have any right now.B次元官网网址�
Popham said she is glad the project will have mixed uses, including four three-bedroom apartments aimed at families.
B次元官网网址淭here is already a neighbourhood with a playground,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淧utting housing in an established neighbourhood is very important for the health of the residents who are going to have this for a new home site.B次元官网网址�
Other housing types include studios (11), one-bedroom apartments (38) and two-bedroom apartments (20).
Sixteen units will rent at the provincial shelter rate of $375 per month. Monthly rents for the other units will range from about $550 per month to $1,950, depending on unit size.
The project itself is a joint project between the provincial government, CRHC and the Living Housing Society.
The total value is more than $20 million, with $15.7 million coming from the province in the form of direct financing and construction financing. CRHC supplies the land, valued at $4.5 million, and $1 million in cash equity.
Current plans call for the building to open in early 2020.
