The province has announced a partnership with the City of Langford and the District of Sooke to build more affordable housing in the Western Communities.
The B.C. government had earlier announced $7.5 million in capital funding for the Oak Park re-development in Langford and $5.35 million for the Knox Centre in Sooke.
In Sooke, a new complex will include 42 affordable rental apartments, a community amenity space, a café and church annex, and will be located at 2110 and 2120 Church Rd.
The Knox Vision Society will operate the $11.3-million facility, expected to open in early 2019.
RELATED: Knox Centre eyes partnership with Sooke
In Langford, the Oak Park redevelopment is a two-phase project located close to local elementary and middle schools, as well as the municipality’s commercial centre and major transportation routes.
The new homes will be at 616 Goldstream Ave., and will be operated by Pacifica Housing with 73 rental apartments, including 12 townhouses. (The municipality is contributing $1.3 million to the project).
The homes are expected to be ready for residents by the end of this year.
“Like people across the province, too many families in Langford and Sooke are struggling to find affordable homes,” said Premier John Horgan, MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca.
“We’re working hard to deliver more housing for people in these communities and across British Columbia, so people can stay in the places they live, work and go to school.”
Sooke council has continually supported Knox Vision Society throughout the application process and to development.
Last fall, Sooke councillors discussed waiving development cost charges and building permit fees related to the affordable housing portion of the project. Council also considered a permissive tax exemption.
Municipal staff is expected to bring a report to council soon with a summary of the amounts to be waived and granted.
“The District of Sooke is looking forward to this affordable housing project located within the town centre, as it will allow residents walkable access to amenities within the town core. It is a priority of council to support initiatives that focus on making the town centre vibrant and accessible,” Mayor Maja Tait said in a statement.
The province is developing a comprehensive provincial housing strategy to make housing more affordable for British Columbians. The B.C. government has set a target to build, in partnership, 114,000 new units of affordable housing throughout B.C.
editor@sookenewsmirror.com
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