May 5, 2017

The City of Colwood has approved $886,000 in grants and waived amenity contributions to offer new affordable housing options in the community. The funding will be provided to the Greater Victoria Housing Society and Pacifica Housing from the City's Affordable Housing Reserve Fund, which is a fund developers are required to contribute to when they build in Colwood.

Pacifica Housing plans to construct 82 units of affordable housing to expand their existing Colwood Lakes housing project at 2006 Sooke Road. Pacifica Housing will receive a grant of $328,000 plus $136,000 in waived amenity contributions for a total of $464,000.

The Greater Victoria Housing Society has plans for 104 affordable housing units at 324 Wale Road, adjacent to the Centre for Wellness currently under construction by the Pacific Centre Family Services Association. A grant of $220,000 has been approved for the GVHS project, plus $201,000 in waived amenity contributions, for a total of $422,000.

The grants apply only to affordable units where the rent cannot exceed established Housing Income Limits. A restrictive covenant will ensure these units continue to be affordable into the future. 

“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. “These are everyday people for whom current housing costs and low vacancy rates can make homelessness a frightening possibility.”

These affordable housing projects are among several developments that will increase housing choice in Colwood. Seniors will soon have more opportunity to remain in the community as they age, with construction set to begin on an expansion of West Shore Lodge at 333 Wale Road. Trillium West Shore Village will offer 100 new Independent Living units. In addition, more market rental units will soon be available, with apartments planned on Metchosin Road, in Belmont Park and at Colwood Corners. 

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Media Contacts

Sandra Russell, Communications Manager, City of Colwood (778-677-5345)

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