Province awards Squamish $7.6m for affordable housing

Squamish has received a $7.6 million grant from the Provincial government for affordable rental housing.

The money from the BC Housing Community Housing Fund will go towards design and construction of the $20 million Buckley Avenue housing project, which will provide housing to low-to-moderate income households through the development of a new five-storey apartment building.

The project will feature 76 units including 12 studios (351 – 377 square feet), 48 one-bedroom units (520 –531 square feet) and 16 two-bedroom units (719 – 726 square feet).

Acting Mayor Doug Race called the announcement “incredible news for the community of Squamish”, saying it will allow the community to take a major leap forward and “provide affordable housing solutions, and peace of mind, to local individuals and families”.

The next phase of the project will see development of detailed construction designs and more detailed budget development. A non-profit housing group will also be sought to operate and manage the building. The District of Squamish has a goal of starting construction by May 2020, with the building operational by September 2021.

Squamish is one of 42 B.C. communities that received funding for affordable mixed-income rental homes.