Valemount builds homes for low income seniors and families

A new 2 storey, 13-unit apartment building is now open for low-income seniors and families in Valemount.

The building is located at 1295 Gordon St., Juniper Square, and has one, two, and three-bedroom options.

Monthly rent for the units will vary:

• three units are for people with very low incomes who might be on income assistance: $375 to $660 per month.
• six are rent-geared-to-income units for people with low to moderate incomes: $475 to $1,100 per month.
• four affordable market units are for people with moderate incomes: $850 to $1,050 per month.

“I am so pleased that, with the opening of this building, seniors and families in Valemount can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing they have safe, secure and affordable housing,” said BC’s Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors’ Services and Long Term Care, Mable Elmore.

$1.34 million was invested into the project through the Building BC: Community Housing Fund and BC Housing is providing an annual operating subsidy of $86,000.

The Government of Canada supplied $300,000, Columbia Basin Trust provided $169,400, and The Village of Valemount waived $25,500 in development costs.

Valemount Affordable Rental Society (VARS) will own and operate the building, and residents began moving into the units last month.

“We are thankful for all the co-operation and ongoing support from our community volunteers, contractors, funders and partners, and we look forward to continuing to address our community’s housing needs in the future,” said Riette Kenkel, President of VARS.