61 New Affordable Homes on the way for Pemberton, B.C.
Pemberton, BC – BC Housing has approved an application to the Community Housing Fund (CHF) submitted by Sea to Sky Community Services (SSCS) in partnership with the Village of Pemberton (the Village), offering 61 new affordable housing units available to community members living in the Village of Pemberton and surrounding areas.
Affordable housing has been a priority in the Village of Pemberton’s community plan for over a decade. Similar to other communities in the Sea to Sky region, Pemberton is experiencing increased population growth, upward pressure on housing prices and limited supply of affordable rental opportunities. In 2019, the Village Council formally added Affordable Housing as a Strategic Priority and since that time have completed an Affordable Housing Revised Background Report, an Age-Friendly Affordable Housing Needs Assessment, and an Age-Friendly Affordable Housing Action Plan and Work Program. The Village has begun public engagement on options for facilitating more affordable housing by way of an information session and survey, with results to be presented in the near future.
This new project will provide housing to families, seniors and persons with disabilities. The proposed location on Harrow Rd., will offer 32 units allocated to independent families, comprised of eight (8) 3-bedroom units and twenty-four (24) 2-bedoom units, and 29 units allocated to independent seniors and persons with disabilities (1-bedroom units). The latter will also include eight (8) dedicated accessible units for persons with disabilities.
When asked about the project, Executive Director Jaye Russell stated, “We are thrilled with the news. Funding from BC Housing will provide much needed safe and affordable housing to individuals and families that need it the most. We are pleased to partner with the Village of Pemberton and look forward to engaging the community in the months ahead.”
“The Village of Pemberton is ecstatic that this proposal has been approved to proceed. In 2019, Village of Pemberton Council identified Affordable Housing is a Strategic Priority and have been working to encourage and enable this type of development. With the announcement of this funding, and our partnership with Sea to Sky Community Services, this will allow us to deliver affordable housing options for up to 60 Pemberton families or individuals while improving social stability and equity in the Pemberton community,” said Mike Richman, Village of Pemberton Mayor.
More information will follow as the project requires an amendment to the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Zoning Bylaw in order to proceed. Community consultation on the OCP and Zoning Bylaw amendments will provide the public and key stakeholders the opportunity to view concept drawings and “have their say”. Project success will rely heavily on community and neighborhood support and engagement.
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About Sea to Sky Community Services
With compassion, respect and care, SSCS provides high quality programs throughout our region to enhance the lives of residents at every age and stage of life. To do this, we offer affordable housing for low to moderate income earners, early childhood care and education, social supports and mental health services. The organization’s main activities encompass six different service delivery areas which are the core structure of our programs and services. These areas are Affordable Housing, Youth, Community Living, Adults and Families, Children and Childcare Services. The activities in these core areas include youth at risk programs and support; children and family support programs including childcare; employment, life skills, and housing services for adults with developmental disabilities; food security through food banks; crisis support and intervention; mental health support through counselling and referral services.
About the Village of Pemberton
Pemberton is one of the most desirable communities in BC and home to family farms, fresh outdoor adventures and stunning vistas. With over 2500 residents and just 30 km from Whistler, Pemberton prides itself on its creative and collaborative approach with the business community, local volunteer groups, neighbouring communities and key business and tourism partners such as Tourism Pemberton and the Pemberton & District Chamber of Commerce. Pemberton’s mild winters, warm summers and unique pioneer heritage provide an ideal place to enjoy arts, culture, history, recreation, dining, shopping and comfortable lodging.
Media Contacts
Sea to Sky Community Services Housing Department
604-892-5796 ext. 245
Vinka Hutchinson
Communications and Grant Coordinator
Village of Pemberton
604-894-6135 ext. 230
