October 14, 2009
Major Funding for Burnaby Social Housing through B.C. - Canada Partnership

BURNABY  – The Governments of Canada and British Columbia are investing more than $14.1 million in Burnaby social housing through a cost-shared Housing Renovation Partnership (HRP). This joint agreement provides funding to renovate and retrofit social housing in greatest need of repair, creating an estimated 90 jobs.
 
“This partnership with the federal government helps us to accomplish two key goals,” says Burnaby North MLA Richard T. Lee. “We’re improving social housing in Burnaby and we’re generating new jobs when we need them most.”

“We’re strengthening our investments in social housing and economic stimulus,” says Burnaby-Lougheed MLA Harry Bloy. “The lifespan of these social housing developments will be increased while we help people get back to work.”

“These renovation and retrofit projects will improve the quality of life for residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable,” said Minister Stockwell Day.  “It is also a good way to get the local economy moving because it puts construction workers and trades people to work quickly.

Seven social housing developments in Burnaby will benefit from this program:

• Stratford Gardens will receive $3,538,220 for building envelope renewal and measures to improve energy efficiency.
• Doug Drummond Manor will receive $3,482,500 for building envelope renewal and measures to improve energy efficiency.
• Concordia Court will receive $2,786,000 for roofing, lighting and energy efficiency measures.
• Hall Tower 1 will receive $1,980,000 for energy retrofits, fire protection measures, and work to improve mechanical, electrical and energy performance.
• Lions Thurston Place / Altesse House will receive $1,114,400 for building envelope renewal and improvements to mechanical and energy performance.
• Laurelynn Place will receive $1 million for energy retrofits, fire protection measures, and improvements to mechanical, electrical and energy performance.
• Lions Mulberry Place will receive $200,000 for measures to improve mechanical and energy performance.

Of the total $176.76 million announced, the majority of the funding, $163.7 million will be directed toward repairs at 81 social housing developments. The remainder of the funding, $13.06 million is being allocated to renovations that are underway at provincially-owned Single Room Occupancy (SRO) hotels.

The funding was made available as a result of a $365-million joint investment under an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement which includes funding through Canada’s Economic Action Plan and by the Government of British Columbia.

This new initiative is part of an overall $14-billion capital infrastructure program launched by the Province that will create up to 88,000 jobs over three years and help build vital public infrastructure in every region of the province.

Through Housing Matters BC, the Province is addressing a range of housing needs, from homelessness to affordable rental housing and homeownership.  In 2009, the provincial housing budget is approximately $450 million, more than three times as much as in 2001.  To find out more about affordable housing in B.C., visit www.bchousing.org.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan.  For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, call 1-800-O Canada or visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

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