Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, Brittny Anderson, MLA for Nelson-Creston, Johnny Strilaeff, President and CEO of Columbia Basin Trust, Suzan Hewat, Mayor of Kaslo and Erika Bird, Chair of the Kaslo Housing Society, announced details of a joint investment of more than $2.4 million to support the construction of 10 affordable homes in Kaslo.
“We continue to hear from residents and communities that affordable housing is a priority in the Columbia Basin region.These 10 new units will increase the housing options in Kaslo and include solar renewable energy generation, fibre optic cable installation, and provide construction training opportunities,” said Johnny Strilaeff, Columbia Basin Trust President and Chief Executive Officer. “Thank you to all the partners involved, and especially the efforts of Kaslo Housing Society, as they have been working hard for many years towards this important project.”
The Penny Lane apartment building, currently under construction, is located conveniently at 334 A Ave, close to the downtown area with easy access to amenities. This three-storey building has been designed to reflect the heritage neighbourhood, and will include 10 affordable homes for single-parent families, seniors, individuals with low-to-moderate incomes, and individuals living with disabilities. Each unit will include laundry and storage facilities, and there will be two fully accessible units on the ground floor. The building will also incorporate solar renewable energy generation, fibre optic cable installation, and construction training opportunities.
Funding provided for this project includes:
- $686,000 from the federal government through the National Housing Co-investment Fund (NHCF) and $21,000 in seed funding;
- $1.05 million from the provincial government through the Community Housing Fund and approximately $93,000 per year in operating funds;
- $304,500 from the Columbia Basin Trust;
- $324,000 from the Village of Kaslo in land equity; and
- $108,000 from the Kaslo Housing Society.
Read the full release here.