New affordable housing units on the way for Aboriginal families in Langford

Langford will soon have 36 new homes for low-income aboriginal  families. The project will provide 36 homes – 30 two-bedroom and six three-bedroom units – and is situated where residents will have easy access to health services, a number of schools and parks, and community centre and recreation centre. The apartment homes will be above ground-level commercial space, another bonus for future residents who will benefit from a variety of new and existing nearby stores.

The building, located in the 500 Goldstream Ave., will feature Energy Star rated appliances and windows, water-efficient landscaping, low-flow fixtures and high-efficiency maintenance systems. Construction is expected to be complete by February 2016.

Quick facts:

• The governments of Canada and British Columbia will provide a combined investment of almost $4.9 million through the Affordable Rental Housing initiative
• The B.C. government will provide almost $6.3 million in construction financing.
• The City of Langford is providing $263,600 in municipal grants and reductions.
• Aboriginal Housing Management Association will provide a yearly operating subsidy of $43,868.
• M’akola Development Services will provide approximately $1.9 million of equity.
• The project will be jointly owned by M’akola Development Services and M’akola Housing Society. Once complete, both enterprises will move their provincial operations into the commercial component of the development.

[blockquote cite=”John Duncan, Minister of State, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development)” float=”left” align=”left”]“It is a pleasure to see that the new development will help improve the lives of people in Langford. Our government is proud to invest in housing in this city and across the country and to help families access affordable housing that meets their needs. [/blockquote]

[blockquote cite=”Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development and Minister Responsible for Housing ” float=”left” align=”left”]We are committed to working with our partners to improve access to affordable housing for Aboriginal families. Having stable housing is the first step in building healthy, safe neighbourhoods, and supporting the well-being of families is a top priority for the Province.[/blockquote]

[blockquote cite=”Mayor Stewart Young, City of Langford” float=”left” align=”left”]This development contributes to our goals as a municipality to address the issue of affordable housing in Langford. We continually seek ways to collaborate with different levels of government and the private sector to deliver high quality housing solutions. It’s tremendously rewarding to see years of advocacy and hard-working coming together right in front of our eyes. We can’t wait to see the completed building, and to meet the families who will be living here. [/blockquote]

[blockquote cite=”Ray Gerow, ceo, Aboriginal Housing Management Association” float=”left” align=”left”]AHMA is proud to be a partner in initiatives that increase the number of affordable housing options available to low- to moderate-income families. Soon, this development will provide safe and affordable housing for 36 families in Langford. Its ideal location near schools and amenities will help these families better engage with their community. We look forward to continuing our work with the Province and our municipal partners to meet the social housing needs of aboriginal and non-aboriginal families in B.C.[/blockquote]

[blockquote cite=”Kevin Albers, ceo, M’akola Group of Societies” float=”left” align=”left”]We are thrilled to move our provincial head office to the City of Langford, while also being able to increase the supply of affordable rental housing for families in this community. The City of Langford has been a constant supporter of the M’akola Group and this project further demonstrates what can be achieved by working with strong municipal partners. Both the City and the Province worked tirelessly with us to achieve this mixed-use development, which will house 36 families and nearly 20 staff. This development at 550 Goldstream marks another major milestone for our society, that will set in motion our next 30 years of providing, safe, affordable, and suitable housing to aboriginal and non-aboriginal families throughout B.C.[/blockquote]