Yesterday I was thrilled to be present in Council Chambers when a $5 million cheque for a 46-unit affordable housing complex in Peace River was presented to the North Peace Housing Foundation by our MLA, Frank Oberle. Many thanks to Frank, who advocated on Peace River's behalf for this much-needed funding from the Alberta government's housing initiative. A news release outlines some of the details of the project.
Also at the small gathering were representatives from the Peace Regional Affordable Housing Coalition, which worked hard to bring the issue of housing need to the attention of decision-makers, and the Town of Peace River. The Town's decision to donate land for the project was likely a factor in the success of the proposal and I'm very proud of Council for making that commitment.
How exciting that Peace River will soon have affordable housing options suitable for people living on a low or moderate income who have disabilities, are single, or have small families.
There may also be units that rent at market rates so that there are more housing options for people like seniors who are not eligible for subsidized senior's housing.
North Peace Housing Foundation will have its office in the building and there will be space suitable for social or educational activities that can be used to help build a sense of community within the complex.
The building is right on the public transit route, making it easier for tenants without vehicles to get around, and is within walking distance to a grocery store, several schools, and churches. A bit further, but still at a walkable distance for many, are recreation facilities, the daycare, elementary schools, and downtown.
I'll be eagerly awaiting the sod-turning for this wonderful new initiative!
2 comments:
This is great news Leslie, congratulations! What role will PR council have in the construction and finally operation of the building? Here in GP we (the city) built Hearthstone but it's managed through the Grande Spirit Foundation on our behalf.
The new Rotary House (replacement for the old dorm) is being built by a society and will be operated and managed by them but the city directed $7M of our affordible dollars toward the project.
In both cases the projects are on city land - under a long term lease in the case of the 3rd party society. We do that so we can be assured that the public investment in the project will never be lost.
Anyhow congrats - and I've published this news in a couple spots to help spread the word.
BG
Thanks for the good wishes and spreading the word, Bill!
And good news for housing in GP as well, especially that the old Wapiti Lodge is being replaced with a new facility. We have no accommodations for transient people so GP is where they are often referred.
The Town of Peace River will not have an active role in building or managing this project, other than this will be done by the North Peace Housing Foundation (which I believe is our region's equivalent to the Grand Spirit Foundation) and we are one of the member municipalities that make up the foundation.
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