Canadian Mortgage News

January 2004 National News Archive

363 New Affordable Assisted Living Units

NANAIMO, British Columbia, April 29 2004 — Seniors and people with disabilities will benefit from 363 new assisted living units announced today for Vancouver Island. These new apartments will give people better access to affordable housing and personal care services in 13 Vancouver Island communities.

Of these, 290 units were allocated through the Independent Living BC (ILBC) program, a housing-for-health partnership that involves the provincial and federal governments, regional health authorities, and the private and non-profit sectors. Various housing societies submitted proposals to provide assisted living through ILBC, in response to calls for expressions of interest issued by BC Housing and Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA). Today's announcement involves unit allocations to seven successful non-profit proponents and three private operators.

The remaining units are funded directly by VIHA, in developments located in Saanich, Brentwood, Salt Spring Island, and Oak Bay.

"By working in partnership, governments can provide senior citizens assistance and support so they can continue to live independently in their daily lives," said the Honourable David Anderson, Minister of the Environment. "These new assisted housing units not only meet the needs of B.C.'s seniors but they are helping build strong communities, throughout the province and throughout Canada."

"Studies show that only a small percentage of seniors need residential care," said Colin Hansen, Minister of Health Services. "We want to provide better options for seniors who need some assistance with daily living but don't need around-the-clock care. Assisted living is a great option for these seniors, and Independent Living BC is helping to make assisted living more accessible and affordable throughout the province."

"We've made great progress in our commitment to improve housing and health options for all British Columbians, and we couldn't have done it without strong partnerships with the private, non-profit and health sectors," said Murray Coell, Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services and Minister responsible for Housing. "Working together, we are giving seniors and people with disabilities more choices for independent, affordable housing with ready access to support services when needed."

ILBC encompasses two types of housing: independent housing with some support and assisted living for those who require a greater level of care. Typically, these units are self-contained apartments in developments where tenants receive personal care services, such as some meals, housekeeping and laundry services, recreational opportunities and 24-hour response system.

As a middle option between home care and residential care, assisted living offers a more tailored approach in addressing individuals' housing and personal care needs.

"We believe assisted living offers seniors a way to remain living in the community by giving them the supports they need to maintain their independence," said Marilyn Rook, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of VIHA. "We are committed to developing a range of options like this so people can get on with their own lives even if they are experiencing health problems."

ILBC will create a total of 3,500 independent housing units with support services and assisted living apartments across the province by 2006. The ILBC units announced today, combined with the 1,648 units already awarded, brings the total allocation to 1,938 units across the province — about 55 per cent of the target.

Today's announcement brings the total number of ILBC units allocated on Vancouver Island to 526, with developments in Victoria, Sidney, Langford, Courtenay, Qualicum Beach, Nanaimo, Colwood, Parksville, Ucluelet, Duncan, Chemainus and Salt Spring Island. As well, a call for Expressions of Interest was recently issued to develop 35 assisted living apartments in Campbell River.

ILBC is funded in part through the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Program Agreement. The government of Canada, through CMHC, will contribute $88.7 million over the next five years towards affordable housing in this province. The provincial government, through BC Housing, will provide $29.7 million annually to subsidize the costs of units built under this agreement, as part of a larger strategy to provide a range of housing options for vulnerable British Columbians.

For more information about ILBC, visit www.bchousing.org

Media contact:

Susan Thom
BC Housing
(604) 439-4715
(604) 230-1301 (cell)

Lianne Peterson
VIHA
(250) 370-8294

Christina Wensley
CMHC
(604) 737-4032

Visit the province's Web site www.gov.bc.ca for online information and services.

Backgrounder

Vancouver Island Housing Units

A total of 363 assisted living units were announced today in developments throughout Vancouver Island. Of these, 290 units are funded through the Independent Living BC (ILBC) program: seven developments will be operated by non-profit societies, and three private assisted living residences were awarded rent supplements to assist lower-income tenants with the cost of renting in these developments.

The remaining 73 units are funded directly by Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA), in developments located in Saanich, Brentwood, Salt Spring Island and Oak Bay.

The Independent Living BC program will create a total of 3,500 independent housing units with support services and assisted living apartments across the province. Of these, 2,500 units will be developed by non-profit societies and 1,000 units will be provided through rent supplements in private assisted living developments. To date, 1,938 units have been allocated across the province, about 55 per cent of the target.

Independent Living BC

Vancouver Island Health Authority

News source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)