Additional affordable housing is on the way for women and children in Burnaby from the latest federal government investment.
Burnaby North-Seymour MP Terry Beech, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley and other dignitaries were on hand at an announcement today (Nov. 16) as 28 affordable homes are set to be built in the city for women, mothers and their children.
Site preparations are currently expected to start next summer, with construction being finished in the fall of 2022.
“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home," MP Terry Beech said.
"This investment into improving affordable housing in our city is facilitating real change for those that need it most. These projects are a result of great partnerships, coming together to respond to a grave housing need in Burnaby.
"This is the Rapid Housing Initiative at work.”
Hussen and Beech announced more than $11 million in federal funding will help create the 28 spaces being planned for the project at 8305 11th Ave.
"I've been working very closely with Terry Beech and he's heard from his constituents, he's relayed to me of really not just focusing on affordable housing, but having consistent action on affordable housing across the spectrum of the housing needs of residents in Burnaby," the Hounourable Ahmed Hussen said.
"That's why we're here today. We know every Canadian deserves a safe place to call home. We all agree that everyone should have a roof over their heads, but we know so many Canadians are also having to make difficult choices: whether to pay rent or buy groceries."
In Budget 2021, the Liberals pledged an additional $1.5 billion for the Rapid Housing Initiative, which started in October 2020.
The additional funding in 2021 included $500 million in funding under the Cities Stream being allocated to numerous communities across Canada, including Burnaby and Vancouver.
The federal government says the new project will be operated by the Elizabeth Fry Society, with the purpose of providing much-needed housing for women and children who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
"The City of Burnaby is pleased to receive this federal funding to develop much-needed housing in our community," Mayor Mike Hurley said.
"It's no secret Metro Vancouver and especially Burnaby, is dealing with a housing crisis.
"More [important] than announcements and I keep saying this, isn't cutting ribbons but opening the doors for people to live in. That's really the important part and I look forward to the day that we're cutting the ribbon to open that door."
This past July, Hussen and Beech announced $11 million was being provided by the federal government to create 22 new homes that would be offered at non-market rates.
