New Off-Reserve Aboriginal Housing Units Announced

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 25, 2007 — More than $50 million will create 292 housing units in 10 communities across the province under the Aboriginal Housing Initiative, Minister responsible for Housing Rich Coleman announced today.

“One of the goals of our provincial housing strategy is to assist the 30 per cent of Aboriginal families living off-reserve in inadequate or unaffordable housing,” said Coleman. “With these new units, we will improve living conditions and help families create new opportunities.”

In March, a proposal call invited Aboriginal non-profit societies to help build new, affordable housing off-reserve, with the intention of allocating approximately 200 new housing units. As a result of the strong partnership proposals received by the provincial government, nearly 50 per cent more units will be built.

These 13 new housing developments will address a range of Aboriginal housing needs and priorities including youth, women, elders, and people with alcohol and drug addictions.

The proposal call was issued in consultation with the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA). Formed in B.C. in the mid-1990s, AHMA is the only Aboriginal social housing management agency in Canada.

“There is a broad range of housing needs in the Aboriginal community that must be addressed,” said Rosanna McGregor, AHMA vice-president. “The results of this proposal call will help to do this, as 13 Aboriginal housing societies will have new resources to create safe, secure affordable housing.”

The Aboriginal Housing Initiative is receiving $50.9 million in one-time funds through the Off-Reserve Aboriginal Housing Trust, designed to address the housing needs for Aboriginals living offreserve. The Government of Canada has transferred the money to the Province, which is working with AHMA to administer the trust.

“Canada’s New Government is delivering on our commitment to create affordable housing for Aboriginal Canadians in British Columbia,” said James Moore, Member of Parliament for Port Moody – Westwood – Port Coquitlam, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. “We want to create a safer, stronger, better Canada for everyone, including Aboriginals, and adequate housing is essential to that vision.”

For more information, please contact:

Susan Thom
Director
Communications
BC Housing
604-439-4715

Sam Rainboth
Manager
Public Affairs
BC Housing
604-439-4789