Greater Victoria Housing Society celebrates new affordable homes in Saanich
June 22, 2022
Saanich, BC — The Greater Victoria Housing Society (GVHS) today held the official grand opening for Townley Place, an affordable housing building opened last year.
Townley Place was a redevelopment project that revitalized an aging subsidized housing complex at the end of its life, adding 25 new affordable rental homes for seniors and families in the District of Saanich. The new buildings, with 64 units total, have helped to revitalize the area, and are located within walking distance to local schools, transit, and amenities. It is a prime example of gentle densification that strives to compliment the form and character of the surrounding neighbourhood.
The building was recognized in 2021 by the Victoria Real Estate Board as “best affordable housing site.” Townley Place exceeds Step 4 of the BC Building Code using leading edge passive housing design and technologies to reduce carbon emissions and enhance resiliency of the buildings to a changing climate.
“GVHS is honoured to celebrate this affordable housing project with the District of Saanich, our residents, staff, and community members,” said Virginia Holden, Executive Director. “Townley Place is an outstanding example of our commitment to building healthy communities here in Saanich, contributing to the stock of homes for families, persons with diverse abilities and seniors.”
“Delighted to see the progress at Townley Place and understand the tremendous value this brings to our affordable housing portfolios in Saanich,” said Fred Haynes, Mayor of the District of Saanich. “The Greater Victoria Housing Society is bringing real solutions to one of our most difficult issues: the affordability of housing,”
“My family and I were very fortunate to have been granted a townhouse rental at Townley Place,” said Stevan Paranosic, a resident. “During the pandemic we were forced to move twice and now we feel like we have a ‘home.’ The smart design of the new townhomes allows us plenty of space – the open concept, high ceilings, ample outdoor space all work great for us and our two little guys. With Victoria’s ever changing cost of living, Townley Place has been a perfect situation for our young family.”
This project was made possible by a number of funding partners. Townley Place received $6.5 million in funding from BC Housing through the Investment in Affordable Housing Fund, $45,000 from Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation (CMHC), $450,000 from the Capital Regional District’s Regional Housing Trust, and a $128,000 reduction in development levies from the District of Saanich.
GVHS is a trusted builder and provider of affordable housing with close to 1,300 tenants across 17 buildings in the Greater Victoria region, and 2021 marked its 65th year of operations. It contributes to healthy, thriving livable communities by providing affordable, secure rental homes for low to moderate income households.
GVHS opened three new affordable rental properties in 2020 and 2021, adding 206 units in the Greater Victoria region at 330 Goldstream in Colwood, Parsons at Brentwood in Central Saanich, as well as Townley Place in Saanich.
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More information & interview requests:
Virginia Holden
Executive Director, Greater Victoria Housing Society
250-384-3434, ext 32
vholden@greatervichousing.org
