Work is underway in Qualicum Beach on a new 56-unit apartment and townhome development that will provide affordable rental housing for families, seniors and individuals with low-to-moderate incomes.
The Residences at Qualicum Station, located at 136 Village Way West, will be a four-storey, wood-frame building with a mix of studio and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, as well as seven three-bedroom townhomes, according to a news release by the Ministry of Housing.
“This is the first major housing project in Qualicum Beach to be funded through our Building BC investments and I know it will have a tremendous impact to the community by providing families and seniors with safe, secure housing to grow and prosper,” said Ravi Kahlon, housing minister. “Working with partners, we’re delivering affordable housing in all corners of the province, and I’m excited to see this project get underway.”
Seventy per cent of the units will have rent geared to income, with people paying 30 per cent of their income for rent. Of those, 20 per cent are specifically set aside for people with very low incomes (under $21,946 for a one-bedroom or $26,600 for a unit with two or more bedrooms). The remaining 30 per cent of the units will be market rentals, according to BC Housing.
The building is next to a community garden and within walking distance of schools, medical facilities and public transit.
Qualicum Parksville Kiwanis Housing Society will own and operate the new homes, which were designed to foster a sense of community.
READ MORE: Site preparation starts on housing project in Qualicum Beach
“We are pleased to bring another 56 units of affordable housing to Qualicum Beach, and this development will be of tremendous benefit to our community and its housing needs,” said Scott Rodway, president of Qualicum Parksville Kiwanis Housing Society.
Rodway thanked Qualicum Beach residents for their support and acknowledged assistance from the province, BC Housing, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Town of Qualicum Beach.
“We are grateful to the Qualicum Parksville Kiwanis Housing Society and BC Housing for their integral roles in bringing The Residences at Qualicum Station to fruition,” said Teunis Westbroek, Qualicum Beach mayor. “Together, we are working to build a welcoming community that is affordable for all residents.”
The project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the province has delivered more than 76,000 new homes, including some currently underway such as the 59 homes in Qualicum Beach.
The province contributed $6.3 million to the project through the Building BC: Community Housing Fund and will provide an annual operating subsidy of approximately $313,000.
“This project is another example of the incredible partnerships our government has with local governments and community partners to build new affordable homes,” said Adam Walker, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum. “These new homes will provide security and peace of mind for people, something everyone deserves.”
The Town of Qualicum Beach provided the project land, valued at $3.3 million, and has leased it to the Qualicum Parksville Kiwanis Housing Society for a nominal fee.
The federal government, through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, provided $92,000 in seed funding.
Residents are expected to start moving into their new homes in early 2025.
— NEWS Staff
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