It’s been a long haul, but good things come to those who wait, says David Biggs of the Kimberley Lions Club and Project Society, as last week the province confirmed that money was coming for an affordable housing project in Kimberley. The province announced a commitment of $516 million toward 68 projects, including eight units in Kimberley.
These are not new units, but complete renovations of two four-unit buildings on Church Street, which have been vacant for some five years.
The buildings will be completely remodeled, Biggs says.
“They will be completely gutted. None of them are occupied at the moment.
“These units will be aimed at affordable housing for families in need. We hope to have four three-bedroom and four two-bedroom units.”
The Project Society will receive in excess of $500,000 for the renovations, with the grant in the form of a forgiveable mortgage.
Biggs says work is already starting on putting out needed tenders so everything will be in place by March 2017. The goal is to have the buildings ready by September, 2017.
“We have been working on this for a good eight to nine years. Finally it’s come to fruition.”
“This is why we continue to work so hard to build Canada’s leading economy,” said Premier Christy Clark. “It gives us the ability to make significant investments, put British Columbians first, and take immediate action to increase the rental supply in communities throughout B.C.”