$800M FOR HOUSING, EDUCATION, SAFETY CREATES 4,800 JOBS

March 17th, 2009

VANCOUVER – Premier Gordon Campbell launched close to $800 million in public infrastructure projects for housing, education and public safety across B.C. today, including construction of six new housing developments in Vancouver, which will create 569 units for people facing homelessness.

“Every job counts, and the almost $800 million we are putting to work on infrastructure projects will create over 4,800 jobs in communities across British Columbia,” said Premier Campbell. “We’re creating jobs, we’re also creating new homes for the homeless here in Vancouver and in other communities, and we’re building other critical infrastructure such as schools and correctional centres.”

The Province is investing more than $172 million in housing projects on six sites in Vancouver. Non-profit societies have been selected to manage the 569 units.

“Our goal as government is to create the supports and services people need to be successful in life,” said Minister of Housing and Social Development Rich Coleman. “Building these projects not only provides the housing people at risk of homelessness need, but also provides a boost to our economy.”

It’s estimated that up to 1,100 direct construction jobs will be created through the construction phase of the new Vancouver housing.

A total of 113 infrastructure projects across B.C. are included as part of today’s roll-out of $793 million in investment:

A further $130 million for 478 new housing units on 11 sites in seven additional communities, creating an estimated 830 direct jobs.
New K-12 schools and school renovations worth $424 million – 30 projects creating an estimated 2,500 direct jobs.
Improvements to correctional facilities, courthouses and other public safety facilities valued at $59 million – 57 projects creating an estimated 380 direct jobs.
$8 million and an estimated 50 direct jobs for nine projects to support the work of the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

These projects are part of the Province’s three-year, $14-billion capital infrastructure program that will create an estimated 88,000 jobs and build vital public infrastructure in every region of B.C. The details of regional projects will be announced in the weeks ahead.

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BACKGROUNDER
SIX VANCOUVER SUPPORTIVE HOUSING SITES

Financing has been arranged to begin construction for the first six housing sites being developed through a partnership with the Province and the City of Vancouver to break the cycle of homelessness. The sites are:

Address	Number of Housing Units	Non-Profit Housing Society	Estimated Project Capital Cost*	Estimated Number of Direct Jobs
1338 Seymour St.	105	More Than a Roof	$34 million	220
1005 Station St.	80	PHS Community Services Society	$22 million	144
525 Abbott St.	108	Atira Women's Resources Society	$33 million	211
188 E. 1st Ave	129	Lookout Emergency Aid Society	$37 million	238
3212 Dunbar St.	51	Coast Foundation	$14 million	90
339 W. Pender St.	96	Coast Foundation	$30 million	198

*Estimated Project Capital Cost includes value of land contribution and commercial space (if applicable)

Totals: 569 units $170 million Approx. 1,100 direct jobs

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Media contacts:
Sam Rainboth
BC Housing
Senior Manager, Public Affairs
604 439 4789

Bridgitte Anderson
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
604 307 7177

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