19 new homes on the way for Haida Gwaii's most vulnerable residents

Like many communities across British Columbia, Queen Charlotte on Haida Gwaii has a housing problem with the need for more affordable housing for those that are homeless or at a risk of homelessness.

Today the Province of British Columbia addressed some of those issues on the Islands, announcing  a 19 home project that will provide for 24 hour, 7 day a week supportive housing on provincially owned land land the Village of Queen Charlotte.

The modular housing will be located at 135 Oceanview Drive in the village and will be operated by the Queen Charlotte Heritage Housing Society, which will provide for meal programs, life and employment skills training and culturally appropriate programming.

Pending municipal approval it's hoped that the project will up and completed by the end of 2018.

Mayor Greg Martin, the Mayor of Queen Charlotte outlined his community's enthusiasm for the project and today's announcement.

“My council and I are thrilled that BC Housing will be providing this affordable housing project in the Village of Queen Charlotte. This will improve the quality of life for our most-vulnerable residents, and be a valuable community asset for years to come. Special thanks to Minister Selina Robinson, and our MLA, Jen Rice, for their untiring efforts on our behalf.”

Residents of Queen Charlotte can learn more about the project on May 22nd when there will be a presentation at the village council office related to the new development.

North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice hailed today's announcement by the province as another example of the work they have taken on to address the housing situation across B.C.

“Our government has been working hard to address major gaps in support for people experiencing homelessness. We're beginning to address homelessness by focusing on people living in crisis, and by ensuring that the first priority is having a roof over their heads.”

Last month, Ms. Rice revealed the details of a similar supportive housing project for Prince Rupert, which will see 36 units put in place at 1450 Park Avenue, with construction set to start this summer with a completion date of sometime in the fall of 2018.

You can learn more about today's announcement for Haida Gwaii here.

For more items of note related to Housing see our housing archive here.

A review of the work of North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice can be found here, while a wider overview of provincial issues out of the Legislature can be reviewed on our political blog D'Arcy McGee.