Three Victoria organizations are applying for funding from the Victoria Housing Fund to build up to 247 units of low to moderate-income housing. The three projects were proposed by the Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society (ACEHS), Capital Region Housing Corporation (CRHC), and M’akola Housing Society (MHS).
Nadine Kawata, a senior planner in the Housing Development and Citywide Planning division, presented the report and recommended the three housing plans to Victoria council at the Dec. 5 committee of the whole meeting. Kawata said the projects would not only provide significant housing but also "advance a range of city objectives related to housing and community well-being."
Two of the projects focus primarily on constructing Indigenous housing. ACEHS is requesting $262,500 to build 34 units at 938 Mason St., while MHS is asking for $757,500 to build 55 units at 210/220 Langford St. and 824 Alston St. Meanwhile, CRHC is requesting $1,160,500 to construct 158 affordable rental units at 930 Pandora Ave. The total cost of the projects is $2.18 million, with all three organizations also working with BC Housing.
The recommendation was supported by council members but raised some concerns, particularly about the density of supportive housing in Victoria, especially in the 900-block of Pandora Avenue, where several supportive housing projects have already been built.
“For a small city in a small geographic area, we are taking on the lion's share,” said Coun. Stephen Hammond. Mayor Marianne Alto echoed this, saying, "Victoria has done far more than its share on a regional basis."
Despite these concerns, the council voted unanimously to support the funding request.
"I would find it difficult to believe that the majority of this council would turn its back on the opportunity to house people," said Alto.
