New homes for people with disabilities open in Creston

The Voice of Canada News:

People living with disabilities now have access to nine new affordable rental homes in Creston, thanks to a partnership between the Province, the Columbia Basin Trust and the Kootenay Region Association for Community Living (KRACL).

The new homes are located at Spectrum Farms on Erickson Road, a 26-acre site owned by KRACL, which is home to a variety of social enterprises. The Cedar Linden Building has been renovated and converted into six one-bedroom and three two-bedroom independent units that meet the needs of low-income people with disabilities. The renovated building also includes a common lounge, kitchen and outdoor deck.

“Moving to the new building on Spectrum Farm has been a highlight in my recent life,” said Maya Moore, a tenant in the building. “My outlook on life has improved greatly in the short time I have been here and thus my mental health has improved as well. Not enough can be said for having a safe, self-contained, warm and healthy space to live in. The care and concern of all volunteers and staff who have worked to create this space is, and has been, inspiring.”

The Province provided a $2.3 million grant, the Columbia Basin Trust contributed $250,000 and KRACL provided the land and is operating the new rental units. KRACL also received funding from the Creston Valley Gleaners Society and private donors.

“Everyone deserves to have a safe, stable and affordable place to call home,” said Michelle Mungall, MLA for Nelson-Creston, on behalf of Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “I want to thank all the community partners involved in making this project a reality and helping create a more inclusive community where people with disabilities in Creston can build good lives for themselves and their families.”

Monthly rents are $475 per month for a one-bedroom unit and $675 per month for a two-bedroom unit.

Delivering affordable housing is a shared priority between government and the BC Green Party caucus and is part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement.

Quotes:

Mark Brunton, senior manager, delivery of benefits, Columbia Basin Trust –

“Safe, healthy and affordable living conditions in a welcoming location – these are the benefits that future residents in these nine units can expect. Projects like these increase the well-being of both individuals and the communities they call home, painting a brighter future for the region overall. We thank the Kootenay Region Association for Community Living and other project partners for helping to make such a difference.”

Alex Nilsson, president, Kootenay Region Association for Community Living board –

“The Kootenay Region Association board welcomes this new addition of much-needed affordable housing in the Kootenays for persons with disabilities and thanks the Province, Columbia Basin Trust, the Creston Valley Gleaners and private donors for financial contributions. The board also acknowledges our general contractor Mountain Spring Holdings, our architect Christine Ross, other designers and sub-contractors, operation managers Eric Kutzner and Serena Naeve, and members from the Legacy Housing Society who volunteered on the KRACL advisory housing and tenancy committees, and the KRACL board members for their contributions to this large project.”

Adam Casemore, director, Area C, Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) –

“It is an absolute pleasure to have this affordable rental housing complex developed within RDCK Area C. This project is a true testament to what can be achieved with the collaboration of different associations, organizations and partnerships. I’m very pleased that the provincial government is developing more of these opportunities for individuals and families across the province. I am grateful for this important investment in our community and extend my appreciation to everyone who was involved in making this project a reality.”

Quick Facts:

• More than 520 new homes are completed or underway throughout the Kootenay region because of provincial investments:
  • Columbia Basin Investment in Affordable Housing: 130 homes
  • Community Housing Fund: 122 homes
  • Indigenous Housing Fund: 52 homes
  • Women’s Transition Housing Fund: 15 homes
  • Supportive Housing Fund: 34 homes
  • Affordable Rental Housing program: 20 homes
  • Deepening Affordability Fund: 56 homes
  • Student housing (Cranbrook – College of the Rockies): 96 homes