June 24, 2010
Habitat for Hunanity Homes Open in Saanich

SAANICH - Five low-income, working families from the Greater Victoria region will become homeowners with the completion of Bethune Flex Plex in Saanich, an affordable homeownership project funded in part by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Victoria and the Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA)-Victoria.

"Access to affordable homeownership is the key to keeping low- and moderate-income households financially independent, while helping establish equity for their futures," said Ida Chong, Minister of Healthy Living and Sport and MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head. "Working in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Victoria and the Canadian Home Builders' Association-Victoria, we are helping make homeownership a tangible reality for low-income families in Saanich."

"Our government is proud to work with Habitat for Humanity Victoria to help families in need through these tough economic times," said the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State for Sport and Member of Parliament  for Saanich-Gulf Islands, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). "These homes are more than just affordable places to live. They are the key to a better life for the families that will call them home."

The Government of Canada, through CMHC's Rental Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP)-Secondary and Garden Suites and RRAP-Disabled Programs, contributed $144,000 toward the creation of three accessible secondary suites within the main units of the five-unit complex. In addition, CMHC provided a $10,000 Seed grant for the development of the Flex Plex townhouse project.

The Province provided a one-time grant of $300,000 toward the purchase of the land as well as $300,000 in construction financing. Additionally the Province provided $125,000 toward the five townhouses, under an agreement signed by the Province and Habitat for Humanity Canada in May 2008. Through this partnership, the Province is allocating $25,000 per housing unit, to a total maximum of $500,000 toward the development of affordable homeownership projects for low- to moderate-income families in British Columbia.

The five townhouses, located at 3494 Bethune Ave., in Saanich, have various layouts. Three of the homes have the capacity for an accessible secondary suite on the ground level. Unique zoning provided by the District of Saanich will allow three families to have approved, rental accommodation for low-income seniors or adults with a disability. Revenue generated by the rental suite will help make homeownership more affordable. The homes also incorporate energy smart and green initiatives. Bethune Place was initiated in 2001, by the District of Saanich and CHBA-Victoria, which then secured the land, and partnered with Habitat for Humanity to develop the project and identify families on limited incomes.

"These new homes are a wonderful addition to our district and will create a new sense of stability and belonging for the families who will own them," said Saanich Mayor Frank Leonard. "We are proud to welcome Bethune Flex Plex to our community and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have."

"This unique partnership with Habitat for Humanity, municipal, provincial and federal governments has created important new zoning in Saanich, and  the opportunity for affordable, accessible home ownership for families with limited incomes," says Ron Egli, president, CHBA-Victoria. "We are strong believers that all Canadians should have the opportunity to be homeowners."

The development was designed by A J Finlayson Architect Ltd. and design consultant Daniel Boot and delivered in partnership with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Canadian Home Builders' Association and the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association. Additional financial support in development of the project for approval was provided by Coast Capital Savings. The United Way, Real Estate Foundation of BC, Home Depot of Canada, and Schneiders Electric were key donors. Many other community organizations provided cash donations, in-kind services, labour and supplies toward construction of the Bethune Flex Plex.

The families who will purchase the townhouses were selected by Habitat for Humanity Victoria (HFHV) and were assessed according to level of need, their willingness to become partners in the Habitat for Humanity program  and their ability to repay the no-interest mortgage. Selected families helped to build their Habitat homes by providing 500 hours of labour or "sweat equity", which helps develop the personal commitment of the family members to their home and fosters partnerships with their community.

HFHV oversaw construction of the five townhouses. Founded in 1990, HFHV is one of over 72 affiliate chapters in Canada that have together built over 1,250 homes to date. The long-term goal of HFHV is to build ten new homes every year to in the Greater Victoria area.

"We are thrilled to be here today celebrating the completion of Bethune Flex Plex, which will help five families realize their dreams of homeownership," said Patti Sullivan, executive director, Habitat for Humanity Victoria. "The Bethune project is only a reality because of the dedication and commitment of our generous partners, volunteers and donors. It is absolutely heart-warming to have witnessed this community unite to support us in this unique project."

In 2008, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. As part of this investment, the renovation programs for low-income households, including RRAP, were extended for two years. For BC this represents more than $28 million in federal funding for renovation programs off-reserve.

Canada's Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion to build new and renovate existing social housing for low-income Canadians, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

Increasing affordable housing, reducing homelessness and helping those who cannot help themselves is a key agenda for the Province of British Columbia. Through Housing Matters BC, the Province is addressing a range of housing needs, from homelessness to affordable rental housing and homeownership.

In 2010-11, the Province will invest over $562 million - more than four times as much as in 2001 - to provide affordable housing and supports to reduce homelessness. To find out more about affordable housing in B.C., visit www.bchousing.org.

For more information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

To find out how CMHC is working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1 800 668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan.

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