SURREY, BC :– The governments of Canada and British Columbia are partnering with Kekinow Native Housing Society and the City of Surrey to build 73 new affordable rental homes for Indigenous people in need in Surrey.

This is the first of a two-phase redevelopment that will replace 33 three-bedroom units with 176 new rental homes for Indigenous individuals, seniors and families with low incomes. Phase 1 will include homes of varying sizes from studios to two-bedroom units to better meet the needs of the community.

Sukh Dhaliwal, Member of Parliament for Surrey-Newton, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Jagrup Brar, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Surrey-Fleetwood on behalf of the Honourable Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Mayor Linda Hepner, City of Surrey, along with representatives from Kekinow Native Housing Society (KNHS) made the announcement today.

Quotes:

“Our Government is investing in affordable housing in British Columbia and across the country to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for people who need it most. When complete, this first phase of development will bring 73 much-needed affordable rental housing units to Surrey—a new place to call home for Indigenous families in this community.” — Sukh Dhaliwal, Member of Parliament for Surrey-Newton

“These new homes will be a welcome relief for Indigenous people in Surrey who have been struggling to afford housing. Working in partnership with groups, such as the Kekinow Native Housing Society, that are dedicated to helping British Columbians find homes they can afford is key to solving the housing crisis.” — Jagrup Brar, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Surrey-Fleetwood.

“For decades, the Kekinow Native Housing Society has played a critical role in providing shelter for Indigenous people. The comprehensive redevelopment of Kekinow Native Housing Society’s affordable rental housing project in Surrey is yet another example of Kekinow’s diligent efforts to ensure residents on limited incomes are given the best chance to thrive and reach their full potential.” — Mayor Linda Hepner, City of Surrey

“Kekinow Native Housing Society has for the last three decades been actively working to create positive, supportive communities for Aboriginal people and encouraged the celebration and expression of Aboriginal culture. As part of KNHS’s mandate to provide housing for Indigenous people living on limited incomes, we are excited to start a new era of housing in this community, for Indigenous elders, youth, and small families here in the Lower Mainland. We want to thank the City of Surrey, the consultants, and funders who are a major instrument in making this become a reality.” — Dr. June Laitar, President, Kekinow Native Housing Society

Quick facts:

• Located at 7561 140th St., the building “Sohkeyah” (meaning Robin’s Nest) will be operated by Kekinow Native Housing Society.
• Rents are projected to range from approximately $550 to $1,300 per month.
• The Government of Canada through CMHC and the Government of British Columbia through BC Housing is jointly contributing approximately $8.5 million under the Social Infrastructure Fund.
• The Government of Canada is providing approximately $442,000 through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy.
• The Government of British Columbia is providing interim construction financing of up to $8.1 million.
• The Government of Canada is currently rolling out its National Housing Strategy (NHS)—an ambitious 10-year, $40 billion plan that will create 100,000 new housing units and lift 530,000 families out of housing need as well as repair and renew more than 300,000 housing units and reduce chronic homelessness by 50 percent.
• The NHS is built on strong partnerships between federal, provincial and territorial governments, and on continuous engagement with others, including municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private sectors to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians
• To address the issue of housing affordability for British Columbians, the Province is curbing speculation in B.C.’s housing market and building 114,000 affordable market rental, non-profit, supported social housing and owner-purchase housing through partnerships.
• B.C. Budget 2018 launched the largest investment in housing affordability in the province’s history—more than $7 billion over 10 years. This includes $550 million into the construction of more than 1,700 new homes for Indigenous people in British Columbia.