The province is partnering with the Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George to purchase a six-unit apartment complex.
The goal of the purchase is to preserve rental housing and provide affordable options for Indigenous people in the community.
“By helping to purchase this building, we are protecting these affordable homes for people in Prince George,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, in a news release. “Through this partnership with the Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George, we’re keeping rents for these homes affordable for the residents and ensuring that needed upgrades are made to the building.”
Located at 2541 Oak St., the federal and provincial governments are providing joint funding of approximately $840,000 to finance the purchase and renovation of the building. Funding is being provided through the HousingHub, a BC Housing branch that works with community, government and non-profit and private-sector stakeholders to increase affordable rental housing and home ownership options for middle-income British Columbians. It acts as a centre for housing expertise and collaboration and helps create housing either through new construction or through redeveloping existing sites.
The complex consists of two one-bedroom units and four two-bedroom units. Renovations to these units will increase the building’s lifespan and ensure six homes for low- and middle-income Indigenous individuals and families remain accessible.
“We are excited to be able to keep these homes on the market,” said Christos Vardacostas, executive director, Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George. “Having a home is fundamental, and this is a great opportunity for us to work with the Province to make sure these spaces stay affordable and available.”
The society has assumed ownership and operations of the residence. The current tenants of the building will not be affected by the acquisition. Monthly rents will be carried over at the same rates.
The society provides affordable housing for Indigenous people in the region and serves approximately 500 people in Prince George.