VANCOUVER – October 14, 2009 - The Provincial and Federal Governments are partnering to renovate 101 social housing developments across British Columbia. The renovation and retrofit projects will take place over the next two years using joint funding of approximately $177 million, creating an estimated 1,130 jobs. The majority of the Housing Renovation Partnership funding, approximately $164 million, will be directed toward repairs at 81 social housing developments. The remainder of the funding, approximately $13 million, is being allocated to renovations at provincially-owned Single Room Occupancy (SRO) hotels.

Left to Right: Karen Stone, Executive Director of the BC Non-Profit Housing Association; Minister Rich Coleman; Honourable Stockwell Day; Premier Gordon Campbell.

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VICTORIA - September 21, 2009 - A groundbreaking was held to mark the start of construction of a new 44-unit housing development in Victoria, providing support for people at risk of homelessness and creating about 98 new jobs. Left to right: Minister Rich Coleman; Karyn French, Executive Director, Pacifica Housing Advisory Association; Corrina Craig, President, Pacifiaca Housing Advisory Association; Mayor Dean Fortin, City of Victoria.

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Minister Rich Coleman addresses audience members at the Humboldt Street groundbreaking. The development will provide 44 housing units with integrated support services to help people move beyond temporary shelter to more secure housing, greater self-reliance and appropriate employment.

Vancouver – July 29, 2009 - Minister Rich Coleman (second from left) breaks ground at the Union Gospel Mission’s (UGM) largest expansion in the organization’s history: the construction of a much-needed new building. Minister Coleman is joined by (l to r) Mark DuMerton, UGM Board Member and Chair of the Building Committee, City of Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, and Bill Mollard, UGM President.

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Vancouver – July 28, 2009 - Minister Rich Coleman (second from left) breaks ground at the new $21.6-million supportive housing development on Station Street that will provide 80 studio apartments for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Minister Coleman is joined by (l to r) Liz Evans, PHS Community Services Society, City of Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, and Minister Mary McNeil.

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Vancouver – April 8, 2009 – Minister Rich Coleman announces a partnership between the Government of Canada and Province of B.C. to launch a new, $123-million Seniors’ Rental Housing Initiative to build up to 1,000 new housing units for seniors and people with disabilities. Minister Coleman is joined by (l to r) Federal Minister of State for Sport Gary Lunn, Karen Stone, BC Non Profit Housing Association, and Premier Gordon Campbell.

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Nanaimo – April 6, 2009 – Minister Rich Coleman announces a $14.95-million investment in two new housing developments that will create 96 jobs and provide a total of 50 new housing units for homeless British Columbians. Minister Coleman is joined by (l to r) Grace Elliott, Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre, and Mayor John Ruttan, City of Nanaimo.

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Surrey – April 3, 2009 – Minister Rich Coleman announces provincial funding of $32.9 million for two new housing developments that will create 211 jobs in Surrey, as well as the start of construction for the Maxxine Wright Centre in Surrey. Coleman is joined by Surrey-Tynehead MLA Dave S. Hayer (second from right), Surrey Mayor Diane Watts (third from right) and representatives from the organizations who will run the new housing developments.

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Campbell River – April 6, 2009 – Minister Rich Coleman announces funding of $7.3 million for a 24-unit housing development that will create 47 jobs in Campbell River, as well as a $99,000 Housing Endowment Grant to help the John Howard Society renovate the six-unit Barnett House for youth. Minister Coleman is joined by (l to r) Greg Hill, Campbell River and District Association for Community Living, and Mayor Charlie Cornfield, City of Campbell River.

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Burnaby – March 20, 2009 - Burnaby-Willingdon MLA John Nuraney (second from left) breaks ground for 70 new units of seniors’ supportive housing. Nuraney is joined by (l to r) Joan Holland, Royal Canadian Legion BC/Yukon Command, Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan, and George Burnett and Stephanie Watts of the South Burnaby Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 83.

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An artist rendering depicts what the new social housing development will look like at 5289 Grimmer Street once construction is complete.

VICTORIA – March 19, 2009 – Minister Rich Coleman breaks ground for the new social housing development on Ellice Street with the help of (l to r) Kathy Stinson, Victoria Cool Aid Society (VCAS), Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin, Minister Ida Chong and Don McTavish, VCAS. The Province provided $27.4 million for two new supportive housing developments, creating 272 jobs in Victoria.

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Minister Coleman announces the two new social housing developments with the help of McTavish, Mayor Fortin and Stinson.

Minister Coleman talks about the benefits the new social housing developments will have for the Victoria community.

Minister Coleman and Mayor Fortin unveil a model of the future Ellice Street development.

An artist rendering depicts what the new social housing development will look like at 525 Ellice Street once construction is complete.

Vancouver – January 30, 2009 - Premier Gordon Campbell is joined by Minister Rich Coleman and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson to announce a $34 million investment to acquire 15 properties, located in 10 communities, which will provide over 600 units of housing with integrated support services once renovations are complete. This acquisition brings the total number of properties acquired by the Province since 2001 to protect and create affordable housing to 45, and the total number of units in those properties to almost 2,030.

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Hazelwood Hotel, located at 342/4 East Hastings Street in Vancouver, will provide 133 single room occupancy (SROs) units with on-site support services.

London Hotel, located at 700 Main Street in Vancouver and operated by Atira Women’s Housing Society, will provide 72 SRO units with on-site support services.

The SRO hotel located at 566 Powell Street in Vancouver will provide 12 units of affordable housing with on-site support services.

Backpackers is located at 7/11 East Cordova in Vancouver and will provide 40 SRO units with on-site support services.

Cordova Residence, located at 54 East Cordova in Vancouver, will provide 37 SRO units and on-site support services. Lookout Emergency Aid Society will operate Cordova Residence.

Dominion Hotel, located at 210 Abbott Street and 92 Water Street, will provide 67 SRO units and on-site support services.

The vacant facility located at 7755 Grand Street in Mission will provide 48 SRO units and on-site support services.

Desert Valley Care, located at 22 Jonagold Place in Osoyoos, will provide 10 SRO units with on-site support services.

Hansel & Gretel Motel, located at 2872 Skaha Road in Penticton, will provide 40 SRO units with on-site support services.

Jamboree Motel, located at 845 Carson Drive in Williams Lake, will provide 33 SRO units with on-site support services.

The Province purchased River Run Homes in Nanaimo to invest in a pilot project in affordable homeownership.

Highland Valley is a 32-unit ranch with acreage on Tunkwa Rd. near Logan Lake. The property will be converted into a therapeutic community for people who are homeless or at risk of homeless and recovering from addictions and mental health issues.

Interior Community Services Society will manage Acadia Building, located at 253 – 295 4th Ave in Kamloops, and provide support services.

Astoria Hotel, located at 1125 2nd Ave in Prince George, will provide 21 SRO units with on-site support services.

Vancouver – October 21, 2008 – An agreement between the Province of British Columbia and VANOC will create up to 156 units of permanent affordable housing for people most in need across B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell is joined by Minister Coleman, Mark from Phoenix House and John Furlong, the CEO of VANOC.

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Abbotsford – September 29, 2008 – Minister Coleman is joined by Hon. Mike de Jong (l - r) Abbotsford Mayor George F. Ferguson and Dr. Dave Murray to announce 100 new supportive housing units to be developed on two city-owned sites, with construction to commence in 2009.

Duncan – July 8, 2008 - Minister Rich Coleman breaks ground for the Cowichan Community Housing Resource Centre, which will provide 15 emergency shelter beds and 24 transition housing units for adults with mental health issues and those at risk of homelessness. Minister Coleman is joined by (l to r) Lydia Hwitsum, Cowichan Tribes, Alan Campbell, Vancouver Island Health Authority, Al Sebring, CFAX Radio, Cowichan-Ladysmith MLA Doug Routley, Christina Martens, Canadian Mental Health Association, and North Cowichan Mayor Jon Lefebure.

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Minister Coleman and Christina Martens exhibit artist renderings of what the new homeless shelter will look like once construction is complete.

Vernon – July 4, 2008 – Minister Tom Christensen, MLA for Okanagan-Vernon (second from right), announces the groundbreaking for a new $11.7-million development that will provide 40 units of affordable housing for Vernon families. Minister Christensen is joined by (l to r) Val Chiba, Vernon Native Housing Society (VNHS), Rick Chiba, VNHS, Maggie Williams, tenant, Tina Hlady, Aboriginal Housing Management Association), Victor Antoine, Okanagan Indian Band, Linda Ferguson, VNHS, Vernon Councillor Juliette Cunningham, and Rita Williiam, tenant.

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Minister Christensen unveils an artist rendering of what the new housing development will look like with the help of (l to r) Val Chiba, VNHS, Rita Williiams, tenant, Maggie Williams, tenant.

The Province provided a capital grant of $10.9 million to facilitate the construction of 4305 19th Avenue under the Aboriginal Housing Initiative and the City of Vernon provided a 60-year lease on the land.

New Westminster – June 13, 2008 – Construction is currently underway to combine two character homes into Maria Keary Cottage, a $6.5-million, 35-bed supportive housing project to help people facing homelessness in New Westminster.

Langley – April 18, 2008 – A new $14.1-million development that will provide 55 beds for homeless people officially broke ground in Langley today. The Gateway of Hope is a partnership between the Province, City of Langley, Township of Langley and the Salvation Army.

Sicamous – March 21, 2009 - Health Services Minister George Abbott (second from right) cuts the ribbon at the official opening of Eagle Valley Manor, a new $5.7 million development providing 12 assisted living units to Sicamous seniors. Abbott is joined by (l to r) Mayor Malcolm MacLeod, District of Sicamous, Carole Holmes, InSite Housing Hospitality Health Services Inc., Norman Embree, Interior Health and Shirley Kessler, Resident of Eagle Valley Manor.

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Kamloops – March 18, 2009 - Kamloops MLA Claude Richmond congratulates Peter Allik-Petersenn, board chair of the John Howard Society Thompson Region, at the official opening of the Georgian Court. The apartment building will provide affordable supportive housing to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Kamloops.

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Vanderhoof – March 18, 2009 - Prince George-Omineca MLA John Rustad cuts the ribbon at the official opening of the Omineca Safe Home Society’s Supportive Housing Complex. The development provides stable and affordable housing for women and children fleeing abuse and at risk of homelessness.

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New Westminster – February 6, 2009 - Rich Coleman, Minister of Housing and Social Development was joined by Minister Linda Reid to open the $19.4-million Victoria Heights, providing 59 assisted living units for seniors, a child-care centre, a geriatric medical clinic, and a respiratory and diabetes education centre. The Province provided $5.9 million through the Independent Living BC program for seniors and a $1.3-million grant through the Ministry of Children and Family Development to create a 62-space licensed child-care centre.

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Vancouver – January 7, 2009 – Rich Coleman, Minister of Housing and Social Development, opens the Pennsylvania Hotel with Liz Evans, executive director and founder of the Portland Hotel Society. The Pennsylvania Hotel provides 44 units for Downtown Eastside residents who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

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Surrey – December 12, 2008 – Health Services Minister George Abbott cuts the ribbon at the official opening of Rosemary Heights Seniors Village, which will provide 90 residential care beds and 61 assisted living units. Minister Abbott is joined by (l to r) Barbara Warner, Rosemary Heights Seniors Village, Azim Jamal, Retirement Concepts, Phyllis Andrea, resident, Gord Barefoot, Fraser Health and Surrey Mayor Barinder Rasode.

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Vancouver – October 27, 2008 - Rich Coleman, Minister of Housing and Social Development, officially opens Providence Health Care’s Honoria Conway with the help of resident Mr. Jeryl Taylor. The Province provided $30.2 million to help provide seniors and adults with disabilities with access to 68 new assisted living units.

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Langley – November 8, 2008 - Minister Mary Polak, MLA for Langley, announces the official opening of the Campbell Valley House of Hope for women in addiction recovery. Minister Polak (second from right) is joined by (l to r) Helmut Boehm, Wagner Hills Farm Society, Langley Mayor Kurt Alberts, Marion Tibbett, House of Hope, Karen Williams, House of Hope, Ron Delorme, Wagner Hills Farm Society, and Sharon Dumas, resident of House of Hope.

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The Campbell Valley House of Hope provides 14 transitional beds for women in addiction recovery.

Kamloops – November 4, 2008 - North Thompson MLA Kevin Krueger (second from left) cuts the ribbon at the official opening of the Hamlets at Westsyde with the help of (l to r) Hendrik VanRyk, H&H Total Care Services, Jacob Schroeder, resident of the Hamlets at Westsyde, and Norman Embree, Interior Health Authority. The Province is providing annual funding of $171,600 for 10 new subsidized assisted living apartments at the Hamlets. 

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Kelowna – October 3, 2008 - Provincial and community partners gathered to celebrate the official opening of the John Howard Society of the Central and South Okanagan’s Cardington Apartments, a new 30-unit supportive housing development to address homelessness in Kelowna.

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Salt Spring Island – October 4, 2008 - Murakami Gardens Community Housing, a $5-million housing development for individuals and families at risk of homelessness, officially opened today.

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New Westminster – September 18, 2008 - Burnaby-Willingdon MLA John Nuraney announces the official opening of Elizabeth Gurney House in Sapperton for women and children at risk of homelessness. MLA Nuraney is joined by (l to r) Kasandra Cronin, Elizabeth Fry Society, Nicole, Elizabeth Gurney client, New Westminster Councilor Betty McIntosh, and Shawn Bayes, Elizabeth Fry Society.

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Elizabeth Gurney House provides 21 units of transitional housing and a resource centre for women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Vernon – September 15, 2008 - Minister Tom Christensen, MLA for Okanagan-Vernon, cuts the ribbon at the official opening of the $1.2-million Gateway Vernon Shelter with 25 permanent emergency beds for men and women. Minister Christensen(third from right) is joined by (l to r) Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert, Jake Spoor, Upper Room Mission, Juliette Cunningham, Vernon Women's Centre Society, Will Boehmer, former resident and current employee of JHS Men's Shelter, and Mary Jo O'Keefe, Downtown Vernon Association.

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Sooke – September 8, 2008 - The Province and community partners are providing Sooke seniors with access to more housing options with the opening of Ayre Manor Lodge, a new $18-million campus of care combining 25 assisted living apartments and 32 residential care beds.

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Victoria – June 26, 2008 - Minister Ida Chong, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head, announces the official opening of Parry Place, a new 21-unit assisted living development for seniors. Minister Chong (second from left) is joined by (l to r) Howard Waldner, Vancouver Island Health Authority, Victoria Mayor Alan Lowe, Jean Whipp, resident of Parry Place, Dean Fortin, Capital Region Housing Corporation, Jan Robertson, Beckley Farm Lodge, and Amy Jaarsma, Capital Region Housing Corporation.

Minister Chong talks to Jean Whipp, resident of Parry Place.

Victoria – June 24, 2008 - Our Place, a $14-million development helping to break the cycle of homelessness in Victoria, officially opened today. Our Place provides 45 units of supportive housing for the neediest residents in Victoria and is a partnership between all levels of government, non-profit societies and members of the Victoria community.

Nanaimo – June 1, 2007 - The Salvation Army’s New Hope Centre, a new $4.2-million housing development aimed at helping Nanaimo’s homeless population, officially opened today. The Province provided a $1.1 million grant and is providing $346,000 annually for operating funding.

Kamloops – June 23, 2006 - Bedford Manor, a new $9.7-million development that provides affordable apartments and support services for seniors, officially opened today. The Province is providing $5.3 million over 35 years in housing subsidies.

Victoria - September 4, 2009 - Major Bill Mason of The Salvation Army Community and Family Services in Victoria receives a donation of backpacks from the Province. The Ministry of Housing and Social Development donated approximately 600 backpacks filled with school supplies to children from low-income families in over 20 communities across British Columbia.

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Vancouver – January 12, 2009 -Minister Rich Coleman is joined by Faye Wightman from the Vancouver Foundation to announce the new $5-million Endowment 150 fund, which will help ministry clients with disabilities and their families save for the future..

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Minister Coleman announces Endowment 150 with help from (l to r) Ted Kuntz, and Pat and Ric Tesan, whose children will benefit from the new federal government’s Registered Disability Savings Plan.

Prince George – November 13, 2008 - Minister Rich Coleman unveils a poster for the official opening of the Prince George Personal Supports Centre with the help of (l to r) Minister Shirley Bond, Sylvia Pavlik, centre participant, and Lorna Dittmar, community disability advocate.

Victoria - October 6, 2008 - Minister Coleman announces the official opening of the Victoria Personal Supports Centre with (left) Dave Shrive, board chair, and Pat Danforth, manager, from the Victoria Disability Resource Centre.