New NDP MLAs welcome affordable rental homes in Richmond

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RICHMOND – Richmond’s newly-sworn in New Democrat MLAs are welcoming 91 affordable rental homes coming to Richmond for people with low-to-moderate incomes.

Supported by the Building BC: Community Housing Fund, the two projects in Richmond are part of 16 new projects, which will provide a total of 634 new homes across the province.

At 3699 Sexsmith Avenue, construction is currently underway on 11 homes for families and seniors, in partnership with More Than A Roof Housing. The second project, at 5491 No. 2 Rd, will provide 80 homes for seniors, families, and individuals living independently with mental health challenges, in partnership with Pathways Clubhouse Society of Richmond and the City of Richmond. Construction on that project is expected to start in July 2021.

“There is a clear need for more affordable housing in Richmond,” said Henry Yao, MLA for Richmond South Centre. “Under the previous BC Liberal government, the housing crisis was ignored for years, and I’m so proud to be part of a New Democrat government that is delivering the housing that our community needs.”

The Community Housing Fund supports mixed-income buildings. These projects have 50% of units for households with incomes up to $64,000, 30% of units for households with incomes up to approximately $74,000, and 20% of units for households with very low incomes (including those on income or disability assistance).

The Community Housing Fund is part of the BC NDP government’s 10-year $7-billion housing plan. It is an investment of $1.9 billion to build more than 14,000 mixed-income rental homes for moderate- and low-income families and individuals. In two and a half years, more than 5,700 homes are already completed, under construction or in development through the Community Housing Fund program in more than 45 communities.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020AG0063-001990 

Quotes:

Kelly Greene, MLA for Richmond-Steveston

“These new rental homes are great news for Richmond. When more people have safe, accessible homes that they can afford, our whole community is healthier and stronger.”

Aman Singh, MLA for Richmond-Queensborough

“Everyone deserves a safe and secure place to call home. But for too many people, the home they need is out of reach. These new affordable rental homes will help more individuals, seniors, and families in Richmond to thrive.”