New Transitional Housing, Childcare Unit Opening Soon For Women And Their Families In Valemount
VALEMOUNT, BC: Women and children leaving violence will soon have access to safe homes with the opening of Ada’s Place, a 14-unit women’s housing project in Valemount.
The Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia has announced combined funding of more than $12.7 million towards the project.
Operated by the Robson Valley
Community Services Society, Ada’s Place provides a range of housing options for women leaving violence, including transgender women, non-binary, and Two- Spirit people, and their dependent children.
The three-storey building includes second-stage housing, which provides short-term housing with on-site support services, and affordable rental housing for women who need a permanent place to stay. Ada’s Place offers residents one-, two- and threebedroom homes, in-suite laundry and a shared amenity space.
In support of residents as they rebuild their lives, below Ada’s Place is a 72-space childcare centre called Roots of Life.
Funding provided for this project is as follows:
• $700,000 from the federal government, through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund
• $11.68 million from the provincial government, through BC Housing including
• $8.4 million from the Building BC: Women’s Transition Housing Fund
$280,000 in operating funding will also be provided annually to Robson Valley Community Services Society
• Approximately $3 million from the Canada-B.C. Canadawide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement through the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund toward construction of the childcare centre
• $300,000 from the Columbia Basin Trust towards the childcare facility
• The Village of Valemount is providing the land for the project, valued at $81,000
“These 14 units are more than just a place for women to live. It’s a place where they can turn to crucial support services, a place where they can ensure stability for their children, and a place where they know they will be safe. Residents will have access to the support they need to rebuild their lives, heal, and gain independence. This is one way the National Housing Strategy is ensuring no one is left behind,” said Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
“Women and children fleeing violence need safe places to turn to in their time of need. Joint projects like Ada’s Place show that different levels of government, and communities, can come together to provide shelter to vulnerable parts of our society. While we continue to work with provinces and territories, and across government to end genderbased violence, we will continue investing in wrap-around services to keep women and their families safe,” said Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
“Having access to affordable, quality, inclusive child care is critical for those leaving violence so they can focus on rebuilding their lives. We’re proud to work with so many partners to deliver safe, affordable housing that includes needed supports like child care so that women and their children can rebuild their lives in safety,” said Grace Lore, B.C. Minister of State for Child Care.
“Village of Valemount is grateful for this partnership in housing for vulnerable women and childcare which is essential to create a supportive environment that addresses the multifaceted needs of our community. By bringing together government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community groups, we’re able to pool resources, expertise, and funding to establish safe and affordable housing options, as well as accessible and high-quality childcare services,” said Owen Torgerson, Mayor, Village of Valemount.
“Such a collaboration will not only provide secure shelter but also empower vulnerable women to pursue education, employment, and self-sufficiency. This partnership will foster resilience, promote economic independence, and contribute to the overall wellbeing and social integration of vulnerable women and their families, leading to a stronger and more inclusive Valemount.”