Ground work has begun at a new affordable housing complex in downtown Castlegar.
The project is funded by BC Housing with Castlegar Community Services (CCS) serving as the program operator and property manager. It will feature 27 units of housing specifically for women and children.
The three-storey compex will include a combination of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom suites. These units will be a combination of mid-term and long-term housing, with caps on how long a person can live in the mid-term units.
The complex includes a controlled access entrance, green space, a playground, patio areas, barbecues, and a dog area. The building will also have programming spaces and a dedicated space for CCS's Women's Centre which features programming, activities, and connection opportunities for women.
The project will mean the addition of five permanent full-time jobs for CCS.
Plans for a women's housing complex have been underway for several years and CCS executive director Reidun Rosi says she is excited to see it finally happening.
"The need is so high," said Rosi.
"I am just so happy we have this in our community. It is a huge, huge plus and a resource. It is amazing not just for our organization, but for other organizations that service this population as well."
She says CCS sees five to 10 people visit their office every week searching for housing.
Construction is not expected to be complete until late 2026 or early 2027, so it is at least a year away from the point where CCS will begin accepting applications for the units.
Before the building opens, CCS will be communicating with the surrounding neighbourhood including going door-to-door to answer resident's questions.
Because the building’s residents will likely include vulnerable populations, BC Housing has asked Castlegar News to not publish the project’s precise address.
