Proposal would bring 220 new affordable, supportive housing units to Victoria's Pandora Avenue
The City of Victoria and BC Housing are looking to build 220 new affordable and supportive housing units on city-owned land in the 900-block of Pandora Avenue.
In addition to the non-market rental housing, the proposal also includes a community centre, gym and childcare spaces on the vacant lots at 926-930 Pandora Avenue.
“This proposed redevelopment will breathe new life into a long-vacant property that stretches nearly half a city block bordering on the Downtown and North Park neighbourhoods,” said Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps in a statement Wednesday.
The proposal is a partnership between the city, BC Housing and the Capital Region Housing Corporation, which Helps chairs.
“This is an exciting and inclusive neighbourhood revitalization project that will provide a community centre for both downtown and North Park, which have long been advocating for one, and will provide much-needed housing for families and others in need of safe, secure affordable housing in the midst of a housing crisis,” Helps added.
The proposed mixed-use development would include approximately 19,000 square feet of community space owned by the city on the ground floor, with plans for a community centre with neighbourhood programming, a gym and child care services.
The development would also include approximately 170 affordable rental units, leased and operated by CRHC, and up to 50 supportive housing units, which would be leased by the province.
It would be up to BC Housing to choose a non-profit housing operator for the supportive housing component of the project.
“This development is incredibly exciting, providing 220 new homes for people who need those homes desperately, as well as delivering amenities to the broader community,” said David Eby, B.C.’s Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing, in the statement. “I would like to thank the City of Victoria and CRHC for bringing this community-building project forward.”
Funding for the 170 rental housing units would come from the B.C. government’s Building BC: Community Housing Fund, while funding for the 50 supportive housing units would be provided through BC Housing’s Supportive Housing Fund.
The city said Wednesday that BC Housing will lead the development effort and will be responsible for the overall construction of the project, which includes engaging with the community throughout the development process.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.