Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
Albert Place, an affordable housing project in Vernon (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)
27 Affordable Units

More affordable housing opening in Vernon

Oct 20, 2022 | 11:01 AM

A new affordable housing project is set to open in Vernon.

Albert Place 2, the second and final building of the Albert Place housing project, will be providing 29 affordable rental homes for families and seniors with low to moderate incomes.

The total project, located at 3610 25th Ave., provides a total of 47 affordable rental units for Vernon residents.

“Affordable housing is crucial to building strong and healthy communities. That’s why we’re addressing the housing shortage with new affordable homes for people who need them most,” said Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee.

“Our government knows there are many families and individuals in need of quality affordable housing, and opening projects like this is one of the ways we’re helping make life better for British Columbians.”

The monthly rentals for the units range from $420 to $1,676, depending on unit size and tenant income.

The project, located close to transit, grocery stores, a seniors centre and a child care facility, was built through a partnership between the B.C. Government, through B.C. Housing, the City of Vernon, and the Vernon and District Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association.

“One of city council’s top priorities over the last four years has been the creation of more accessible and attainable housing for Vernon residents and this project is just one example of how we’re taking action,” said Mayor Victor Cumming.

“The expansion of Albert Place includes a variety of housing types to provide safe and affordable housing for seniors and families within walking distance of key services, activities and parks. The city is grateful for its partnership with the Province, BC Housing, and CMHA to see this project become a reality.”

CMHA Vernon, which operates the Albert Place properties, provided the land for the building, while the City of Vernon waived the development fees for the project.

“Everyone deserves a roof over their head and a place to call home. Providing a safe, stable home has never been more challenging for lower- and moderate-income families,” said Julia Payson, executive director of CMHA Vernon.

“Crippling monthly housing costs and fear of rental evictions have become a reality for too many in our community. Affordable housing is a significant issue in Vernon; the opening of Alberta Place 2 is crucial as we continue to see the increase in demand for housing options for individuals and families.”

Through B.C. Housing, the province invested an estimated $3.1-million for the project through Building B.C. The Community Housing Fund will provide $265,600 in annual operating funding.

Albert Place 2 also received $250,000 through the Canada-British Columbia Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy.

View Comments