135 new affordable homes for women underway in Vancouver

Vancouver, British Columbia, December 1, 2023

Construction has started on 135 homes for women and women-led families at 550 West 13 Avenue.

The project is a partnership between the federal government, through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the province, through BC Housing, the City of Vancouver, and Soroptimist International of Vancouver. Development support has also been provided by Purpose Driven Development.

Once complete, the new development will replace the former 21 units with a 13-storey, 135-unit building. Residents will also have access to a range of amenities, including indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, a rooftop patio, co-working spaces, and flexible space for educational classes, yoga, and community events.

All previous tenants received relocation support from Soroptimist and BC Housing into other affordable homes and have the opportunity to move into these new homes once they open.

Construction is expected to be complete in 2026.

Funding provided for this project is as follows:

$9.94 million from the federal government, through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund;
Approximately $64.6 million from the provincial government, through BC Housing, including approximately $14.1 million through the Building BC: Community Housing Fund and approximately $50.5 million in financing;
$6 million from the City of Vancouver through its Community Housing Investment program; and
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund, endowed by the Government of Canada, has provided a $175,000 grant for the study of the build of the energy-efficient affordable housing units.

Quotes:

“Today, we can see the positive impact of the National Housing Strategy, with 135 new homes designed by, for, and with women in Vancouver. These homes are not just bricks and mortar, but a symbol of hope and empowerment for women who need a safe and affordable place to call home. This project is creating a community where women can thrive and support each other, while starting new chapters in their lives, and that is something we can all be proud of.”
— The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“Access to secure housing has a profound impact on an individual’s wellbeing, their ability to pursue opportunities, and their connection to the community. I am proud that all levels of government are coming together to provide new affordable homes for women here in Vancouver. Together, we build a stronger and more vibrant community where everyone has a place to call home.”
— Taleeb Noormohamed, Member of Parliament for Vancouver – Granville

“We know the housing crisis is making it extremely difficult for women and single mothers to find an affordable place to call home. These 135 much-needed rental homes will make a huge difference in the lives of the women and families who move in, giving them a fresh start and a strong foundation for success. We’re proud to be working in partnerships to build homes like these to make sure everyone in this province, especially women who need financial stability, can access homes they can afford.”
— Ravi Kahlon, B.C.’s Minister of Housing

“Affordable housing projects like this for women and children are long overdue and welcome news in Vancouver. Everyone deserves access to affordable, stable housing, and this project is the latest step in our work to provide homes for people and families on fixed incomes. We know there is more to do and we’re going to keep working with our partners to deliver thousands of homes here and across province.”
— George Heyman, MLA for Vancouver – Fairview

“Secure housing provides individuals and families with a stable foundation and fosters strong, connected communities. This is such an important project, when we invest in women and girls, we are investing in our own future. By fostering an atmosphere where women and girls can thrive, we lay the groundwork for a more equitable and resilient Vancouver.”
— Ken Sim, Mayor, City of Vancouver

“Soroptimist International of Vancouver is focused on improving the lives of women and girls by providing them with access to education and training to achieve economic empowerment. Our innovative project that we are building will empower women economically through holding a lease in their name and support stability and families in achieving financial independence. The connection between housing and well-being is known, and the Vancouver Soroptimists are further assisting women to be their best by providing more affordable housing.”
— Carla Busnardo, Board Member of Soroptimist International of Vancouver

“We are proud to be the development lead for this remarkable project working to close the glaring gap in the housing needs of women by providing affordable housing designed, developed, and delivered by women for women. In a heavily male-dominated sector, this project demonstrates the leadership of amazing women professionals who are highly qualified in all disciplines of the development sector.”
— Carla Guerrera, CEO and Founder, Purpose Driven Development

Quick facts:

Canada's National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10-year, $82-plus billion plan that will give more Canadians a place to call home.
The National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF) is a $13.2 billion program under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) that gives priority to projects that help people who need it most, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, veterans, and young adults.

Additional information:

Visit Canada.ca/housing for the most requested Government of Canada housing information.

CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. CMHC’s aim is that everyone in Canada has a home they can afford and that meets their needs. For more information, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.

To find out more about the National Housing Strategy, visit: www.placetocallhome.ca.

Check out the National Housing Strategy Housing Funding Initiatives Map to see affordable housing projects that have been developed across Canada.

To learn more about government’s new Homes for People action plan, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023HOUS0019-000436.

To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/.

This project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has nearly 77,000 new homes that have been delivered or are underway, including nearly 8,000 in Vancouver.

Information on this news release:

Micaal Ahmed
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
media@cmhc-schl.gc.ca

Ministry of Housing Media Relations
236-478-0251

BC Housing Media Relations
media@bchousing.org

550 W 13 Avenue in Vancouver will offer 135 units for women and women-led families.

Residents will also have access to a range of amenities.

Residents will also have access to a range of amenities, including indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, a rooftop patio, co-working spaces, and flexible space for educational classes, yoga, and community events.

The project received $9.94 million from the federal government, through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund.