73 new affordable rental homes for people in need being built in Surrey

MP Sukh Dhaliwal flanked by Surrey MLA Jagrup Brar and Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner.

SURREY-NEWTON MP Sukh Dhaliwal on Wednesday that the governments of Canada and British Columbia are partnering with Kekinow Native Housing Society and the City of Surrey to build 73 new affordable rental homes for people in need, including Indigenous people, in Surrey.

This is the first of a three-phase redevelopment that will replace 33 three-bedroom units with 176 new rental homes for low-income individuals, seniors and families. Phase 1 will include homes of varying sizes from studios to two-bedroom homes to better meet the needs of the community.

This partnership builds on the National Housing Strategy that was announced last year by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Dhaliwal said that this 10-year, $40 billion strategy is the first time the federal government has had a national housing strategy. He added that “this strategy shows the government clear vision and commitment to making sure everyone has access to housing that is accessible, affordable and stable”.

He said: “Our Government is investing in affordable housing in British Columbia and across the country to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for people who need it most. When complete, this first phase of development will bring 73 much-needed affordable rental housing units to Surrey—a new place to call home for families in this community.”

 

Quick facts:

  • Located at 7561 140th Street, the building will be operated by Kekinow Native Housing Society.
  • Rents are projected to range from approximately $550 to $1,300 per month.
  • The Government of Canada through CMHC and the Government of British Columbia through BC Housing is jointly contributing approximately $8.5 million under the Social Infrastructure Fund.
  • The Government of Canada is providing approximately $442,000 through the Federal Homelessness Partnering Strategy.
  • The Government of British Columbia is providing interim construction financing of up to $8.1 million.
  • The Government of Canada is currently rolling out its National Housing Strategy (NHS)—an ambitions 10-year, $40 billion plan that will create 100,000 new housing units and lift 530,000 families out of housing need as well as repair and renew more than 300,000 housing units and reduce chronic homelessness by 50 percent.
  • The NHS is built on strong partnerships between the federal, provincial and territorial governments, and continuous engagement with others, including municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private sectors to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians.
  • To address the issue of housing affordability for British Columbians, the Province is curbing speculation in B.C.’s housing market and building 114,000 affordable market rental, non-profit, supported social housing and owner-purchase housing through partnerships.
  • Budget 2018 launched the largest investment in housing affordability in B.C. history—more than $7 billion over 10 years.