Affordable housing project slated for First Avenue
A pair of affordable housing projects are in the works for the current home of a recreational vehicle dealership in the city, the provincial government said Thursday.
Subject to rezoning, an environmental and geotechnical review, and project approval, the city will be purchasing the NR Motors site at 805 First Ave.
From there, BC Housing is to lead the construction over two phases of a building containing 50 units of supportive housing and one holding 50 units of rental homes for low-income people.
Rents for the units will work out to 30 per cent of the tenant’s gross household income.
Each building would include groundfloor healthcare space that would deliver services for both residents and the public.
“Experienced non-profit housing providers” would oversee the day-to-day management of both buildings and Northern Health, in partnership with other health service agencies, would oversee the spaces and provide primary care, harm reduction, mental health and substance-use services.
The proposal addresses recommendations in Northern Health’s 2017 downtown health-services plan and would be the first in Prince George to provide such a range of housing and services under one roof.
“This project is a great example of how we’re working with partners to make life better for people in Prince George,” Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, said in a news release.
“People should be able to find affordable housing that works for them, close to the healthcare services they count on, and that’s what this project will deliver.”
According to NR Motors, the company has outgrown its current site and is planning to move to a different location.
How much the city will pay for the First Avenue property was not provided.
“The city will release the purchase price once all of the purchase conditions have been satisfied,” city spokesperson Mike Kellett said.
“When people have stable housing and access to supports when and where they need them, it benefits the entire community,” Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, said in the release.