October 15, 2009
Kamloops Social Housing Benefits from B.C. – Canada Partnership

KAMLOOPS – The Governments of Canada and British Columbia announced $200,000 in cost-shared Housing Renovation Partnership (HRP) funding to renovate and retrofit Kamloops social housing in greatest need of repair.

“I’m proud to be in a province where our seniors are provided with vital housing services, ensuring a sustainable future for all British Columbians,” says Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod.

 “Our seniors and disabled adults deserve comfortable, quality housing at a price they can afford,” says Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake.

“Environmental sustainability improvements benefit the entire community by creating jobs and keeping the economy moving,” says Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Kevin Krueger.

The Hilltop Apartments social housing development will receive the funding for repairs and renovations, focusing on mechanical and sustainability upgrades.  Mechanical upgrades involve boiler work, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, and toilets, while sustainability upgrades include installing low flow fixtures, boiler upgrades, lighting retrofits, building air sealing, and improvements to exterior envelopes for enhanced thermal performance.

Of the total $176.76 million announced, the majority of the funding, $163.7 million will be directed toward repairs at 81 social housing developments. The remainder of the funding, $13.06 million is being allocated to renovations that are underway at provincially-owned Single Room Occupancy (SRO) hotels.

The funding was made available as a result of a $365-million joint investment under an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement which includes funding through Canada’s Economic Action Plan and by the Government of British Columbia.

This new initiative is part of an overall $14-billion capital infrastructure program launched by the Province that will create up to 88,000 jobs over three years and help build vital public infrastructure in every region of the province.

Through Housing Matters BC, the Province is addressing a range of housing needs, from homelessness to affordable rental housing and homeownership.  In 2009, the provincial housing budget is approximately $450 million, more than three times as much as in 2001.  To find out more about affordable housing in B.C., visit www.bchousing.org.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan. For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, call 1-800-O Canada or visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

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