More families and seniors in Maple Ridge will have an affordable place to call home as construction starts on a building that is a partnership between the Province and Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Community Services.
“Welcoming people into their new homes is what we are all working towards,” said Bob D’Eith, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission, on behalf of Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “We are proud to be working with partners like Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Community Services to build housing that people can afford. These 94 new homes will make life easier for families and seniors in Maple Ridge.”
Located at 22768 119 Ave., the new rental home project will provide 94 units in a six-storey mixed-use building, with studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom homes for individuals, families and seniors in the community.
“These 94 new homes will give people in our community safe and secure housing options,” said Lisa Beare, MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows. “People who call Maple Ridge home should be able find housing and stay in their community. And we know it can be hard for families with children to find homes with enough space, which is why it’s so important for us to build these affordable family-sized homes.”
The project will include office space for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Community Services. The organization is leading the development and will operate the complex once it is complete. Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Community Services offers a wide variety of programs and services that help more than 13,000 people each year through 30 different programs and services.
“This project is a huge double win for our community,” said Mike Morden, mayor, Maple Ridge. “After close to 50 years of work in our community, our Community Services family will have a permanent home. Above its new offices, there will be 94 units of affordable and accessible housing for seniors, families and people struggling with the high cost of housing in our region. This is a great project and partnership.”
The Province is providing $13 million in funding, as well as construction financing for the project. Once complete, the Province will also provide operational funding to further increase the affordability of 20 of the units. Ten of these homes will be offered at the provincial shelter rate ($375 per month) and 10 will be rent-geared-to-income.
This means that people with household incomes under $51,500 will pay no more than 30% of their monthly income towards rent. The City of Maple Ridge has committed to support the project through a suite of fee reductions and deferrals consistent with the former Town Centre Incentive Program.
“Community Services is honoured to be a member of the housing community bringing safe, appropriate and affordable housing options to many individuals and families who have been desperately seeking local housing,” said Vicki Kipps, executive director, Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Community Services. “We are incredibly grateful for the financial support of the Province of British Columbia and the guidance from BC Housing as we design and construct this beautiful building that will combine a community of multi-use residential homes with social services space for over 30 different programs and services.”
Site preparation for the development has started with project completion estimated for early 2021.
The Province is tackling the housing crisis in British Columbia by increasing supply, curbing demand and cracking down on fraud in real estate.
Delivering affordable housing is a shared commitment between government and the BC Green Party caucus and is part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement.