Qualicum-Parksville Kiwanis Housing Society, in partnership with the Town of Qualicum Beach, will be receiving funding from the Province to build 56 affordable homes for seniors, families, and people with disabilities.
Qualicum Beach is one of four communities on Vancouver Island, along with Comox, Duncan, and Tofino, to receive funding under the Building BC: Community Housing Fund to develop affordable housing projects.
Construction of the 56-unit multi-residential development project, called “Residences at Qualicum Station Housing Project”, is set to begin in February 2022 on the vacant Town-owned property at Railway Street and Village Way. Council approved the Development Permit on May 27, 2021, and has entered into a 60-year lease agreement with Qualicum-Parksville Kiwanis Housing Society to oversee the construction and operation of the building.
“This was a top priority of Council and we are pleased that it will be accomplished within our term. We are truly thankful for the support of BC Housing, and the partnerships that the Qualicum-Parksville Kiwanis Housing Society has brought in helping us, again, build a vibrant neighbourhood in the core of our Town,” said Mayor Brian Wiese. “Their diligent work engaging our community will introduce 56 new affordable spaces for families and individuals who will contribute to our community for decades to come.”
"The housing society is excited to be in a position to bring further affordable housing to our community. We look forward to working with BC Housing, the Town of Qualicum Beach, the community, and our construction partners to provide a much-needed development to our town," said Scott Rodway, Chair, Qualicum-Parksville Kiwanis Housing Society.
The site, which is located in the M1 – Village Neighbourhood development area was selected by the Town because of its proximity to schools, stores, and services. The design of the four-storey building is being finalized but will take into consideration green space for public use and off-street parking facilities.
The building will be comprised of eight townhouses and a 48-unit multi-residential building, including studios and one-bedroom units for single adults, two-bedroom units for couples, and three-bedroom units for families. The unique building configuration has been carefully selected to accommodate a mix of families and individuals that will help meet the housing needs of Qualicum Beach, as determined by a needs assessment performed by the Town in 2009, and Affordable Housing survey in 2019.
A total of 20 percent of the units will be subsidized for low-income residents and 50 percent of the units will be geared to “affordable accommodation” rentals, meaning rental rates will be calculated at 30 percent of the household income. The remaining 30 percent of the units will be for those with a moderate income. It is expected that the units will be occupied by a combination of families, seniors, and singles.
Construction of the project is set to be completed by November 2022 with occupancy in December 2022.
The Residences will be the second affordable housing project that Kiwanis has built in Qualicum Beach in partnership with the Town. The first was Qualicum Park Village, built in 2015 on First Avenue, which provides 34 affordable rental units.
The Building BC: Community Housing Fund is part of the Province’s 10-year, $7-billion housing plan. It is an investment of $1.9 billion to build more than 14,000 affordable rental homes for moderate and low-income families and individuals over 10 years. A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available online: https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC
