124 affordable rental homes open in Colwood, most earmarked for Indigenous people
More than 120 affordable rental homes have opened at a new apartment building in Colwood, with most of the units reserved for Indigenous people and families.
The six-storey building opened at 342 Wale Rd. and includes 70 one-bedroom units, 42 two-bedroom units and 12 three-bedroom units.
Monthly rent is flexible and depends on the tenant, according to the B.C. government. Rent will not exceed more than 30 per cent of a household's gross income, says the province.
"Housing opportunities for Indigenous families and individuals that are affordable, culturally appropriate and inclusive were much needed in our community," said Mitzi Dean, MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin, in a release Monday.
"I would like to acknowledge the partnership between the province, the City of Colwood and Indigenous partners – Aboriginal Land Trust Society, Lu’ma Native Housing Society and the Huu-ay-aht First Nations – who worked hard to make these homes a reality," she said.
The province says that while most of the units are reserved for Indigenous peoples, some units will be available to anyone, though the exact amount was not specified Monday.
The building was completed at a cost of $24.8 million and will receive an annual operating fund of roughly $858,000 through the Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund.
The property also includes a 12-metre-tall metal sculpture built by Coast Salish artist Darlene Gait. The sculpture, called Healing Moon, includes a moon made out of copper surrounded by four wolves, and is meant to represent health, balance and security, according to the province.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.