In an information release yesterday, David Eby the Attorney General and Minister Responsible for housing outlined the details of the housing plans, with the Province, through BC Housing partnering with Ksan House Society to build the three-storey wood-frame building with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units. The development will also include a secure green space and play area.
“Women and children should never have to worry about finding a place to turn to when they leave an abusive situation. This new development will provide a safe and secure place for women and children to recover and rebuild their lives.” -- David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing.
The housing that is planned will provide women and their children the opportunity to seamlessly move from the society’s transition house in Terrace to these new second-stage homes.
Second-stage housing provides short-term accommodation with on-site supports for women and their dependent children leaving violence. Residents typically live in the units for six to 18 months before moving to more permanent housing.
“This second-stage housing project will be instrumental in providing women and their children experiencing violence in our community with safe, affordable housing options. Without second-stage housing, women are often left with no suitable place to live and end up returning to abusive partners or living in homelessness.” -- Amanda Owens, executive director, Ksan House Society.
Construction of the units is expected to be completed by the end of 2023, once open rental rates will be calculated at 30 percent of the resident's income or the provincial shelter rate for those who are receiving income or disability assistance. The location for the new housing was not outlined as part of the announcement.
The news of more housing for the community was welcomed by Terrace Mayor Carol Leclerc as part of the roll out of the new units.
"Access to safe, affordable housing is vital for our community members who are most in need. Projects like this can make a huge difference in the lives of women and their children when they are faced with challenging situations, and the City of Terrace is pleased to see such an important project underway in our community."
From 2017 to date, the Province of British Columbia has completed or started close to 350 housing units in the Terrace area.
A link to a map that was part of the information package yesterday provides a glimpse at some of the housing plans in motion or in place across northwestern BC.
Scrolling across the map provides a look and opportunity to compare provincial efforts for housing in the Prince Rupert area, Smithers and Kitimat to name a few locations in the Northwest.
More notes on Wednesday's announcement can be reviewed here.
Items of interest on Housing across the Northwest can be found from our archive page.
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