Citynow Province announces $253M for rental homes in city

LaurenVanderdeen lvanderdeen@burnabynow com

With Burnaby still losing purpose-built rental homes, the B C government has announced it will invest $253 million across 10 Burnaby developments that will bring around 1,500 new affordable rentals to the city.

Some of the developments are specifically for Indigenous people, seniors facing homelessness, low-income families and people with disabilities

The City of Burnaby is providing land for at least four of the projects

“Unfortunately, too many British Columbians are struggling to find housing that they can actual- ly afford especially in fast-growing cities, including right here in Burnaby,” Premier David Eby said at a press conference on June 19. “We need to do more together ”

He noted Burnaby is

Mulberry PARC is hosting a garage sale! All proceeds will go to our annual Christmas hamper initiative, supporting seniors in need during the 2023 holiday season.

Come by to browse our wide selection of furniture and household goods available for purchase, enjoy popcorn and hotdogs, play some games, enter a prize draw, and meet the Mulberry team!

Any items not purchased will be donated to the Burnaby Hospice Thrift Store.

Date & Time: Sunday, June 25, 10 am - 2 pm

Location: Mulberry PARC, 7230 Acorn Ave, Burnaby

For details, call Terrie or Erin at 604.526.2248 one of the fastest growing cities in B C , making the demand for affordable housing in the city among the highest in the province

Burnaby has the third highest rents in the country, and the second highest when it comes to apartments and condos.

The provincial investment is going to fund the following projects:

7392 16th Ave.: 203 rental homes, under construction, expected to be complete in 2025 This six-storey building will be for individuals, families and people living with disabilities with low to moderate incomes.

6889 Royal Oak Ave.: 134 rental homes, under construction, expected to be complete in 2025.This six-storey building will be for individuals, families and people living with disabilities with low to moderate incomes

6608-6652 Sussex Ave.: 53 rental homes, under construction, expected to be complete by 2026.This four-storey building is part of a development including 285 strata condos; the rental units will be for people with middle incomes

3802 Hastings St.: 161 rental homes, construction expected to start in late 2023 The six-storey building will be for seniors and families with low to moderate incomes The project includes a 74-space childcare facility.

6488 Byrnepark Dr.: 130 rental homes, construction expected to start in late 2023 The six-storey building will be for Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals and families with low to moderate incomes.

BUILDING PLAN: Premier David Eby announced an investment in rental housing in Burnaby June 19

7492 Holly St.: 14 homes, construction expected to start by fall 2023. The project is 14 beds of supportive living for people who are living with mental illness and who may be experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have health-care needs

Those developments make up 695 homes; the province’s investment also includes $186 4 million for four major housing developments of about 790 rental homes Further details will come “as plans for each project are finalized,” according to the press release

Non-market housing providers include M’akola Housing Society, New Vista Society, SUCCESS Affordable Housing Society, Catalyst Community Developments Society and Progressive Housing Society

Four of the projects (790 units) are currently in development, 205 units will begin construction by the end of this year, and 390 units are currently under construction and expected to be complete by 2026.