A housing project in Ladner, that will provide 130 below-market rental homes for independent seniors and individuals living with intellectual disabilities, has received a major contribution from Ottawa.
Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion Ahmed Hussen was in town Friday morning to announce the Government of Canada is contributing $34.7 million to Evergreen Court.
Located at 4625 Evergreen Lane and now under construction, the project is a partnership between the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the Province of BC, through BC Housing, the City of Delta, and Affordable Housing Societies. The homes include 38 accessible and 92 adaptable units for individuals who may have mobility challenges. It will be owned and operated by the Affordable Housing Societies.
The development will feature a common amenity space, parking, laundry, exterior gardens and landscaping. Construction is expected to be complete in winter 2024 and rental rates will be confirmed closer to completion.
"Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. That is why our government is pleased to provide funding support to create 130 safe, affordable and accessible rental housing to seniors and individuals with intellectual disabilities right here in Delta,” said Hussen. “By investing in affordable housing, we are creating communities that are safe, inclusive and welcoming to all. This is another example of our government's National Housing Strategy at work."
“This investment from the Government of Canada's National Housing Co-Investment Fund is improving the quality of life for seniors and persons with disabilities and has contributed to the social well-being for all of Delta. When people have a secure and stable home, they gain the confidence they need to succeed and fulfill their potential,” added Delta MP and Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion Carla Qualtrough who also attended Friday’s announcement.
The Province is contributing approximately $7.3 million to the project from the Building BC: Community Housing Fund for the project. Affordable Housing Societies is contributing the land, valued at $12.4 million plus additional equity of $7.6 million and will develop, own and operate the project. The City of Delta is contributing $790,000 through waiver fees and Metro Vancouver is waiving $458,000 in development cost charges.
The project was approved by the City of Delta back in July.
“Increasing housing options for Delta's seniors and individuals with varying abilities is critical in supporting our vulnerable communities. I want to thank the Delta Housing Be Mine Society, the Affordable Housing Societies, and all the levels of government and government agencies who worked together to ensure we prioritized the building of the Evergreen Court housing project,” said Delta Coun. Dylan Kruger.
Affordable Housing Societies CEO Stephen Bennett says the Evergreen Court is part of an overall goal working towards the end of the decade.
“The Affordable Housing Societies is very pleased to be furthering its mission to 'provide quality, affordable rental homes so that families and individuals can thrive' through the provision of 130 new rental homes on Evergreen Lane in Ladner,” he said.
“These new homes are part of our Society's goal to add 1400 new affordable rental homes to our portfolio by 2030. This incredible project has brought together partners from three levels of government, and when complete will deliver rental units that will be affordable for seniors and individuals with intellectual disabilities on a broad range of income levels.”
