Richmond affordable housing; federal gov’t invests $9.1M
Posted March 13, 2023 4:46 pm.
Last Updated March 13, 2023 4:50 pm.
The federal government announced $9.1 million to create more affordable housing in Richmond.
The funding is set to help create at least 18 new units and comes from the $4 billion Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI), an economic stimulus program created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Quite simply, having a safe and affordable place to call home gives people a chance to live the life that they want for themselves but also for their family members — and that is particularly true for the most vulnerable members of our community,” Wilson Miao, M.P for Richmond Centre, said.
“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Through the Rapid Housing Initiative, we are quickly providing new affordable housing units for people who need them most, right across Canada, including right here in Richmond. By working closely with our partners to create more affordable housing that meets the needs of Canadians, our government is continuing to deliver meaningful results for Canadians. This is one of the many ways our National Housing Strategy continues to ensure no one is left behind.”
Govt of Canada announced today (Mar. 13) $9.1M for a Rapid Housing Initiative in #RichmondBC. The investment will help add to the affordable housing the City has accomplished since its first Affording Housing Strategy over a decade ago. Info: https://t.co/gYhLx9T4vF @CMHC_ca pic.twitter.com/SNcFxCSrnQ
— City of Richmond BC (@Richmond_BC) March 13, 2023
The RHI aims to deliver affordable housing in 12 months or less, with 25 per cent of investments going towards women-focused housing projects.
“It’s a program that was started during the pandemic, and it is actually rapid. It’s the fastest housing program that we have in our federal toolkit. It delivers housing in 12 months or less and it is part of the response to COVID,” Miao said.
Richmond is one of 41 recipients in this third and latest round of RHI funding, and the program aims to create at least 4,500 more affordable housing nationwide.
“Whether it’s building new, permanent, affordable housing or whether it is acquiring property and converting it into deeply affordable housing, this rapid housing initiative is really changing lives across the country, and we believe it will change the lives of most vulnerable members of our community here in Richmond,” Miao said.
