“We are working with partners to deliver affordable housing on Salt Spring Island and throughout the province, so people can stay in the communities they choose to call home, ” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “I would like to thank Salt Spring Community Services and the local community for working with us to create these homes that meet people’s needs.”
Salt Spring Island Community Services is receiving $2.4 million from the Province’s Building BC: Community Housing Fund to build the Salt Spring Commons, located at 176 Bishops Walk Rd. The project will include two- and three-bedroom units within eight triplex buildings. Projected monthly rental rates will range between $570 for two-bedroom units and $1,475 for three- bedroom homes.
“Housing security for British Columbians is a priority the BC Green Party caucus shares with the provincial government,” said Adam Olsen, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands and member of the Rental Housing Task Force. “Supporting local communities by offering families affordable rental options is critical for improving the rental system on Salt Spring Island and around the province.”
The project will be built on a two-hectare (five-acre) parcel of land owned by SSICS. The forested site is within walking distance to Ganges Village, schools, parks and transit.
“This project is a testament to the power of a community pulling together,” said Rob Grant, executive director, Salt Spring Island Community Services. “Local donors, along with the provincial government through BC Housing, have made it possible for us as a housing provider to meet a critical and increasing need for affordable housing on Salt Spring.”
Projects built under the Community Housing Fund in general are intended to be 30% middle income (up to $107,000), 50% low to moderate income ($21-56K) and 20% low income. The Salt Spring Commons fits in the low to moderate income with income not more than $60,000 as defined by the Affordable Housing Agreement with the Islands Trust.
Construction is expected to start in fall 2019.