CONSTRUCTION is well underway on Vancouver’s west side for 138 new affordable homes, half of which will be for families. These new homes are being developed by Onni Group at no cost to the City as part of the new Cambie Gardens development at 603 West 59 Avenue.
The City has selected S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Affordable Housing Society and Tikva Housing Society to manage the new building. The organizations bring strong neighbourhood connections and considerable experience in serving the needs of a diverse range of individuals and households in Vancouver.
The two organizations will partner with The Right Fit – an organization that matches affordable, accessible homes and independent living supports with people who need them – for the eight accessible units in the building.
Developed through the City’s inclusionary zoning policy, which provides social housing to the City as a Community Amenity Contribution (CAC) from the developer, the new homes wouldn’t be possible without the involvement of local non-profit organizations.
“In order to build a Vancouver that works for all of us, we need housing for everyone in every neighbourhood, and that’s what makes these 138 homes on Cambie so exciting,” said Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart. “Thanks to our strong affordable housing policies, these homes are being built by Onni Group for the public at no cost. And thanks to expert non-profits like S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and Tikva Housing Society, future residents will have the supports they need to thrive.”
“Innovative partnerships like these provide unique ways for cities to supply affordable housing to meet community needs,” said Queenie Choo, CEO of S.U.C.C.E.S.S., one of B.C.’s largest social service agencies. “We’ve seen housing needs grow exponentially since we began operating and managing affordable housing in 2008. Since then, our affordable housing stock has grown to more than 770 units across Metro Vancouver, and we’re proud to be helping more residents find safe, accessible homes that improve their quality of life.”
“Tikva Housing Society is very excited about our partnership with SUCCESS and the City of Vancouver, to continue to work towards meeting the affordable housing needs of our community,” said Alice Sundberg, Director of Operations and Housing Development. “Tikva’s 30 units will provide much needed stability and security to the individuals and families who will occupy them. The building’s central location in an amenity-rich part of Vancouver, is close to transit, shopping, and the cultural and recreational services that will enhance our residents’ quality of life.”
Of the 138 new homes, 41 will have two bedrooms and 28 will have three bedrooms. There will be a mix of rents, including:
- 14 shelter rate units
– Ten units that will be part of Supporting Tenants, Enabling Pathways (STEP) – the first program in the province to assist individuals who are ready to move towards self-sufficiency, transitioning out of supportive housing
- 55 units rented at rates affordable to people who earn up to BC Housing’s Housing Income Limits (HILs)
- 69 lower-end-of-market units with rents approximately 10 per cent below market rate
Along with the new homes, the development will include amenity space, a children’s play area, parking and storage.
The building is expected to be ready for residents to move in during the first half of 2022. It is the first of four affordable housing buildings being developed at Cambie Gardens which will ultimately provide 540 new affordable homes.
You can learn more about the development here.
