B.C.'s 'largest investment' in affordable housing on Vancouver Island begins in Saanich
Construction of a large housing redevelopment in Saanich, B.C., has begun, and it's a project that the B.C. government is calling its "largest investment" into affordable housing on Vancouver Island.
Some 800 new homes will be built on a roughly nine-acre site along Nigel Avenue in the Uptown area, as part of the province's Nigel Valley project.
The $250-million project will involve several buildings, which will include roughly 440 affordable rental homes, 255 homes at market prices, 37 homes with supports for seniors and veterans, 25 homes with supports for people with mental-health challenges, and 41 long-term care beds.
A rendering of the Nigel Valley redevelopment in Saanich is shown. (BC Housing)
The housing is being built in three phases, with the first phase of the project currently underway.
This first phase will see the construction of a new long-term care home, called Nigel House, which will include 88 units, including 41 of with long-term care beds, 37 units for seniors and veterans who need assistance, and 10 units for seniors and veterans who can live independently.
Construction of Nigel House at 851 Nigel Ave. is expected to complete in summer 2024.
The B.C. government is providing $47.5 million for construction of Nigel House, and is giving the long-term care home a $5.2-million grant.
Meanwhile, the federal government is providing $3.2 million for Nigel House, Broadmead Care is providing approximately $2 million, plus another $3.2 million in fundraised equity, Island Health is contributing $4.3 million, and the Capital Regional Hospital District is providing approximately $1.3 million.
FURTHER CONSTRUCTION
Meanwhile, construction of a new five-storey apartment building in Nigel Valley is set to begin later this year, pending approval from the province.
The new building will include 70 rental units for moderate and low-income tenants, ranging from families to individuals – to seniors or adults living with disabilities.
The entire Nigel Valley redevelopment project is estimated to finish in 2032.
A rendering of the Nigel Valley redevelopment in Saanich is shown. (BC Housing)
The province says the phased construction plan will allow people who currently live on the property to stay until their new homes are finished.
"The Nigel Valley Project is a remarkable collaborative effort with the goal of meeting the needs of our diverse community," said Geoffrey Ewert, CEO of the Garth Homer Society in a statement Thursday.
"What we are creating is more than just housing – we are creating an inclusive community where people from all walks of life feel a true sense of belonging and have a place that feels like home."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
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.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
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.
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.
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.