A local organization has received funding to pursue an affordable housing project.
In 2009, City of Powell River council identified a vacant parcel on Ontario Avenue which the city owns for an affordable housing project. Council adopted an amendment to the zoning bylaw that rezoned the property to accommodate that use.
The city also gave a letter to Life Cycle Housing Society to pursue funds to conduct a phase one environmental assessment on the property.
At the July 5 council meeting, Councillor Debbie Dee said Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has awarded the society a $10,000 seed grant, that will cover the cost of the assessment, as well as provide funds for other initiatives in developing affordable housing on the site. “That will take us to the next steps,” she said.
Councillor Myrna Leishman holds the housing portfolio and she will be working with Life Cycle and CMHC on the next phase of the project.
“If all looks good, then by next year perhaps we’ll get some shovels in the ground,” Dee said.
