New $50 Million Funding Boosts 77 Affordable Homes in Victoria

The Victoria city area will see the addition of 77 new affordable homes thanks to a multi-jurisdictional funding initiative announced on January 14, 2024. The project, located at Chown Place in the Gorge neighbourhood, has attracted $50 million in funding aimed at providing independent living options for seniors and families. This development represents the second phase of a larger initiative, featuring 68 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, alongside nine three-bedroom townhomes.

Victoria’s Mayor, Marianne Alto, emphasized the significance of this partnership among federal, provincial, and municipal governments. She stated, “These 77 new units at Chown Place will ensure more seniors and families have safe, secure, affordable homes in Victoria, close to the essential amenities they need.” The project aims to enhance the availability of affordable housing for the local community, addressing a pressing need.

Community Features and Location

The new homes will include an amenity building and communal green spaces, designed to foster a sense of community among residents. Chown Place is situated in the heart of the Burnside Gorge neighbourhood, conveniently located near essential services such as shops, banks, pharmacies, and healthcare facilities, including the newly opened Gorge Urgent and Primary Care Centre.

The announcement was made by Will Greaves, Member of Parliament for Victoria, on behalf of the provincial housing minister, Gregor Robertson. He was joined by Darlene Rotchford, MP for Esquimalt-Colwood, and Christine Boyle, British Columbia’s minister of housing. Greaves noted, “These new homes are about more than housing — they’re about building a stronger community. When seniors and families live side by side, communities become more caring, resilient, and connected.”

Funding Background and Goals

The funding comes from the Affordable Housing Fund, which allocates financial resources through low-interest or forgivable loans to support the development of new affordable housing as well as the renovation of existing facilities. This initiative is part of a larger $16.1 billion program under the national housing strategy, which prioritizes projects that assist vulnerable populations, including women and children facing domestic violence, seniors, Indigenous Peoples, and those living with disabilities.

The Gorge View Society will own and operate the new homes, continuing its mission to provide affordable living options in the region. This development exemplifies a collaborative effort to create a supportive environment that allows individuals to age with dignity and families to thrive in a community that values all stages of life.

As Victoria looks to the future, this project stands as a testament to the commitment among various levels of government and community organizations to improve housing accessibility and affordability, ensuring that all residents have the opportunity for safe and secure homes.