The construction of 48 new affordable homes for the Comox Valley is underway, with the goal of providing safe and permanent housing women and gender-diverse people fleeing violence.
The modular building will be a combination of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments and is being built with $16.2 million from the province through BC Housing.
It will be operated by the Comox Valley Transition Society, which supports people leaving abuse and working towards recovery, according to the province. The society also operates second-stage housing where guests can stay for six to 18 months while they get ready for independent living.
The province adds the new development will be there for those ready to leave second-stage housing and rent will be calculated closer to the building’s opening but stay “well below” market rate.
Transition Society executive director Heather Ney says they receive multiple calls per day from women seeking to leave an unsafe situation, and the new housing is the next step in the plan.
“This next phase of housing is part of our plan to accommodate the many individuals and families who have been supported at Darry’s Place and allow them to stabilize, heal and plan for the future by providing the much-needed affordable rental housing that has been missing in our community,” said Ney.
The province is also partnering with the City of Courtenay and Pacific Swell Developments. Construction is expected to be finished next summer and will be built by Muchalat Group to provide local jobs.
Courtenay mayor Bob Wells adds the construction is great to see for the much-needed housing.
“Future residents will benefit from having stability and financial security, which is especially helpful for those who have had to rebuild their lives after past trauma or abuse,” said Wells.
“We’re really pleased to see this investment by the provincial government in housing for our community.”
Courtenay-Comox MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard adds that everyone deserves a good, safe space to call home.
The province adds that due to privacy concerns, the location of the building will not be shared.
