Hundreds of affordable homes are open, underway across three projects for individuals, families
Summary
- 158 new affordable apartments and townhomes are open in Victoria
- Another 320 affordable, family-oriented rentals are underway in Saanich and Central Saanich
- The new homes are all being delivered through the Community Housing Fund and built in partnership with Capital Region Housing Corporation, which will own and operate the homes
VICTORIA - More people and families will have access to a total of 478 affordable, family-oriented rental homes with the opening of Caledonia in Victoria, and with construction starting on two other developments in the region.
"People need more affordable housing options, and that's exactly what we're delivering through our Community Housing Fund," said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. "These homes are built through strong partnerships and give people more choice and stability. They help families, seniors and individuals stay close to work, school and the communities they're part of."
The opening of Caledonia in Victoria adds 158 new affordable homes. Construction is underway on two additional developments in Saanich and Central Saanich that will deliver another 320 homes. These projects are part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government.
Since 2017, the Province has more than 95,000 homes delivered or underway, including more than 8,400 homes in the Capital Regional District.
All of the homes are funded through the Province's Community Housing Fund (CHF) and are being built in partnership with Capital Region Housing Corporation, which will own and operate the homes. Under the CHF program, most rents for these homes are set at no more than 30% of a household's income, helping people keep housing costs affordable.
"Caledonia is a shining example of what we can achieve through collaboration with local and provincial partners, creating much-needed housing opportunities in our region," said Zac de Vries, chair, Capital Region Housing Corporation. "Together, we delivered 158 safe, quality homes, turning housing insecurity into hope for individuals and families in Victoria. We are also excited to have 320 more homes on the way through the Verdier and Cedar Hill affordable housing projects."
Opening of Caledonia in Victoria
Located at 1211 Gladstone Ave., Caledonia includes 158 affordable homes, made up of 97 apartments and 61 townhomes. More than half of the homes have two, three or four bedrooms, helping meet the need for larger rental homes for families.
Residents and the community will benefit from large, landscaped areas, rain gardens and spaces for urban gardening. There is also an outdoor playground and a 135-square-metre (1,450 square foot) amenity space.
People began moving into their new homes in March 2026.
More homes on the way
Two more affordable housing projects are now underway in Greater Victoria:
- Verdier, 1183 Verdier Ave., Brentwood Bay (Central Saanich): This project will provide 110 rental homes for people with low and moderate incomes in the heart of Brentwood Bay. More than half of the homes will have two or more bedrooms. The building will also include a child care space for up to 16 children on the ground floor. The project is expected to be completed in 2028.
- Cedar Hill Library and Affordable Housing, 3950 Cedar Hill Road, Saanich: This mixed-use project will include a new, 2,700-square-metre (29,315 square foot) public library on the ground floor, along with two residential towers providing 210 rental homes. Nearly half of the rental homes will have two or more bedrooms. The project is expected to be completed in 2030.
Learn More:
- To learn how B.C. is working to deliver more homes for people, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/homesforpeople
- A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available online: https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC
- To learn how BC Housing is helping to build strong, inclusive communities, visit: https://www.bchousing.org/podcast
BACKGROUNDERS
Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill -
"Residents at Caledonia now have a stable, affordable place to live, ensuring they feel secure and connecting them to a vibrant community. These homes meet the needs of people and families and are within walking distance of schools, grocery stores, and community supports - that's exactly what our city and region need more of. Thank you to all our partners for making this possible. I'm excited to see hundreds more affordable homes opening soon."
Nina Krieger, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake -
"Housing affordability is one of the defining challenges facing families in Greater Victoria, and it demands serious, sustained action. These homes represent real progress: secure, affordable rentals that give people the stability they need to build their lives in the community they call home. With more housing opening now and more on the way, we're moving in the right direction for our community."
Marianne Alto, mayor, City of Victoria -
"Caledonia marks another exciting housing milestone for Victoria, delivering 158 safe and affordable homes that put families first. Thanks to strong government and local partnerships, more community-focused, stable housing will soon be available. This project shows what's possible when we work together to create a stronger, more inclusive foundation for homes, so people can live and thrive in Victoria."
Ryan Windsor, mayor, District of Central Saanich -
"Access to safe, affordable housing is essential to the health and resilience of our community. The Verdier project reflects what's possible when provincial, regional and local partners work together to address real housing needs. This development will help provide long-term, secure homes for people in Central Saanich, strengthening our community now and into the future."
Dean Murdock, mayor, District of Saanich -
"The Cedar Hill Library and Affordable Housing project is about building a stronger future for Saanich - one where people can access welcoming public spaces, affordable homes and community services in one connected place. This project will help meet the needs of our growing community, providing a greater variety of housing options together with a larger modern library on the former Nellie McClung branch site, which will provide lasting benefits for residents for many years to come."
Caledonia, 1211 Gladstone Ave., Victoria
- The Province, through BC Housing, provided a Community Housing Fund grant of approximately $18.5 million, as well as annual operating funding of $1.6 million.
- Land was provided by School District No. 61, the City of Victoria and the Provincial Rental Housing Corporation (PRHC).
- The City of Victoria provided a $1-million grant from the Victoria Housing Reserve Fund.
Verdier, 1183 Verdier Ave., Brentwood Bay (Central Saanich)
- The Province, through BC Housing, provided a Community Housing Fund grant of approximately $18 million, plus annual operating funding of $1.3 million.
- The Capital Region Housing Corporation purchased the land, valued at $5 million.
- The building is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in 2028.
Cedar Hill Library and Affordable Housing, 3950 Cedar Hill Road, Saanich
- The development will replace the former Nellie McClung Library (now demolished) with an 18-storey mixed-use building that will have the public library and affordable homes.
- The Province, through BC Housing, provided a Community Housing Fund grant of more than $34 million, plus annual operating funding of $3.7 million.
- The District of Saanich provided a nominal lease of the airspace over the library and is providing $288,500 from the Saanich Affordable Housing Reserve Fund for the residential component of the development, plus reducing development cost charges valued at $1.8 million.
- The District of Saanich is also contributing $31 million toward the library portion of the project.
- Work on the project has now started and expected to be completed in 2030.