Powell River’s 40-unit housing development for people experiencing homelessness will make a real difference, according to Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons.
“What they provide to individuals is some stability so that their thoughts and their efforts don’t have to be about day-to-day shelter and the stresses of the uncertainty about where they are going to live,” said Simons. “It will allow people to think about other things in life. I really think our whole community is going to benefit.”
Simons said the Sunshine Coast has seen one project almost at completion, one is about to be planned and the one in Powell River is well underway.
He said the housing has been a high priority objective for him and the government, based on the crisis that has been evident in urban and rural settings.
“These housing units that are being built around the province are going to help alleviate the homeless problem,” said Simons. “I don’t think it will eliminate it but it will certainly go a long way toward meeting the needs of people who are currently living without homes.”
In Powell River, the 40-unit development is going in at Joyce and Harvie avenues. Construction is currently underway.
The housing in Powell River and Sechelt is part of 20,000 units of new housing underway in nearly 80 communities across BC.
“Under the previous government the housing crisis didn't get enough attention," said Simons. “Our government has made affordable housing a clear priority. We are creating 218 safe and affordable homes to those who need it most.”
The province is working in partnership with local and federal governments, non-profits, colleges and universities, indigenous communities, and private developers to increase the supply of affordable rental housing across BC.
Simons said the government has acted quickly to address the urgent need for affordable housing, and that it has been working with partners to not just increase the number of homes, but to build the right kind of homes to make life better for people at all ages, stages in life, and income levels.
Simons added that Budget 2018 launched the most significant investment in housing affordability in BC history, more than $7 billion over 10 years.
