More than half of the 511 affordable housing units in the Capital Region announced by the provincial government last week as part of a $45-million funding boost are slated for the West Shore.
The majority will be built in two projects in Colwood. An $8-million, 104-unit complex for low-income adults, being built by the Greater Victoria Housing Society in a four-storey residence at 324 Goldstream Ave., is expected to begin in the summer of 2017, with completion scheduled for the spring of 2019.
Another 88 units in Colwood at 2006 Sooke Rd. next to Hatley Gardens, across from Royal Roads University, is under the direction of Pacifica Housing Advisory Association. That project for low- to moderate-income families will be built at a cost of $8.5 million. That project will begin in the summer of 2017, with completion expected by fall of 2018.
Langford will receive housing for 64 low- to moderate-income families at 616 Goldstream Ave., as part of a $7-million project also earmarked for Pacifica Housing. Construction is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2017, with completion anticipated for the summer of 2018.
A number of factors led to planning a large number of units for the West Shore, including the fact Pacifica already owns the land for the Colwood and Langford projects, said Nikola Mende, the association’s manager of communications.
Pacifica Housing executive director Dean Fortin said strong municipal support is required to move ahead with these projects.
“These new developments will make a difference in the lives of 150 families, offering low- to median-income earners living in the West Shore safe and quality rental homes," he said.
The money from the provincial government is part of $850 million pledged since February and includes $500 million in September, which the government says is the largest single affordable housing investment in Canada.
Other projects to receive funding include 74 units for working singles, seniors and families in Saanich, 40 units in Saanich for low-income singles in the workforce, and 26 units in Saanich for low-to moderate-income families.
The Victoria Cool Aid Society will receive $4.4 million for a 75-unit development for low income adults and seniors in Victoria, while Sooke will add 40 units of housing for low-to moderate-income families through a $5.5 million funding commitment to the Knox Vision Society.
For more information on registering for the West Shore projects visit pacificahousing.ca or greatervichousing.org.
reporter@goldstreamgazette.com