Amid the region’s ongoing housing crisis, the City of Colwood has approved $886,000 in grants and waived amenity contributions in order to offer new affordable housing options in the community.
The Greater Victoria Housing Society and Pacifica Housing will be supplied with the funding, which comes out of the City’s affordable housing reserve fund, which is added to through contributions from developers.
The Society has planned 104 affordable units at 324 Wale Rd., adjacent to the Centre for Wellness currently under construction by the Pacific Centre Family Services Association. The Society will receive a $220,000 grant plus $201,000 in waived amenity contributions.
Pacifica Housing will receive $328,000 from the fund plus $136,000 in waived amenity contributions for its planned 82-unit expansion of the existing Colwood Lakes project on Sooke Road.
“By supporting projects like these, Colwood will offer more options for people on median incomes, single parents, seniors and adults with disabilities,” said Mayor Carol Hamilton in a statement. “These are everyday people for whom current housing costs and low vacancy rates can make homelessness a frightening possibility.”
More market rental units are also planned on Metchosin Road, in Belmont Park and at Colwood Corners as the City looks to respond to the regional housing shortage.
joel.tansey@goldstreamgazette.com
Twitter: @joelgazette
