The affordable housing project underway in downtown Maple Ridge will offer a range of suites, at a range of rental rates.
Thirty-six studios will be available from $375 to $850 per month, along with 40 one-bedroom suites ranging from $375 to $1,050, as well as 13 two-bedroom suites from $1,200 to $1,400 and five three-bedroom suites from $1,400 to $1,600.
Construction is already underway on the building located at 22768-119 Ave. that is a partnership between the province and Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Community Services.
“Welcoming people into their new homes is what we are all working towards,” said Bob D’Eith, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission, on behalf of Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
“We are proud to be working with partners like Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Community Services to build housing that people can afford. These 94 new homes will make life easier for families and seniors in Maple Ridge,” he said.
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Lisa Beare, MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows said that the new homes will give people in our community safe and secure housing options.
“People who call Maple Ridge home should be able find housing and stay in their community. And we know it can be hard for families with children to find homes with enough space, which is why it’s so important for us to build these affordable family-sized homes,” she said.
The project will include office space for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Community Services. The organization is leading the development and will operate the complex once it is complete. Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Community Services offers a wide variety of programs and services that help more than 13,000 people each year through 30 different programs and services.
“This project is a huge double win for our community,” said Mike Morden, mayor of Maple Ridge.
“After close to 50 years of work in our community, our Community Services family will have a permanent home,” he said adding that it will help people struggling with the high cost of housing in the region.
The province is providing $13 million in funding, as well as construction financing for the project. Once complete, the province will also provide operational funding to further increase the affordability of 20 of the units.
Ten of the homes will be offered at the provincial shelter rate of $375 per month and 10 will be rent-geared-to-income. This means that people with household incomes under $51,500 will pay no more than 30 per cent of their monthly income towards rent.
RELATED: Affordable homes underway in Maple Ridge
The City of Maple Ridge is supporting the project through a suite of fee reductions and deferrals consistent with the former town centre incentive program.
“Community Services is honoured to be a member of the housing community bringing safe, appropriate and affordable housing options to many individuals and families who have been desperately seeking local housing,” said Vicki Kipps, executive director, Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Community Services.
“We are incredibly grateful for the financial support of the Province of British Columbia and the guidance from BC Housing as we design and construct this beautiful building that will combine a community of multi-use residential homes with social services space for over 30 different programs and services.”
Site preparation for the development has started with project completion estimated for early 2021.
People are being invited to help name the new housing project by emailing suggestions with “Name the Building Opportunity” in the subject line to affordablerentalhousing@comservice.bc.ca.
The deadline for submissions is Oct. 31, 2019.
cflanagan@mapleridgenews.com
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