An affordable, supportive housing complex in East Courtenay is expected to be ready for tenancy by February.
Located at 810 Braidwood Rd., the three-storey, wood-framed building will contain a mix of studios and one-bedroom units — 35 in total, including a manager’s residence — for individuals who are at risk of homelessness.
People from the City of Courtenay, the B.C. government, the M’akola Housing Society and the Wachiay Friendship Centre gathered Friday at the site to make the announcement. M’akola and Wachiay are the non-profit operators that will provide outreach, counselling and other supports to tenants.
“There’s agencies that have already stepped up to the plate and said that they would offer services to tenants here,” said Roger Kishi, director of homeless and housing programs at Wachiay. “Without those partnerships, this project would not have moved forward…The 34 units are just the beginning of what we need in the community.”
Each unit will contain a four-piece bathroom and a kitchen. Six of the units will be rented at the provincial shelter rate of $375 per month. Rents for the other units will roughly range from $580 to $760 per month. The complex will also include a common room and office space.
Courtenay-Comox MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard said the project will make a significant difference for people who have been struggling to afford housing.
“It’s no secret that the Comox Valley is in dire need of better housing options for all residents,” Leonard said. “This is especially true for Indigenous people, who are more likely than non-Indigenous people to be living in un-safe and over-crowded homes.”
Mayor Larry Jangula notes the project has been years in the making.
“Housing is one of the biggest issues facing our community,” he said. “We are so grateful that the future residents of this facility will no longer have to worry about putting and keeping a roof over their heads.”
The Province has provided $4.7 million for the project, which was originally planned for Cliffe Avenue across from Courtenay City Hall. In 2010, the regional district had purchased a trio of lots for $470,000 for emergency shelter/supportive housing purposes, but some neighboring businesses did not like the idea. The CVRD then transferred ownership of the properties to the City, which later purchased the Braidwood property for $264,500.
