Canadian Mortgage News

June 2003 National News Archive

New Family Housing Opens in Strawberry Hill

SURREY, British Columbia, June 12, 2003 — Low to moderate-income families will have more housing options with the opening of Strawberry Hill Apartments, a multi-family housing development in Surrey. The project combines contributions from the federal and provincial governments, under the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement, and the Conference Housing Society.

"The Government of Canada, working in partnership with the provincial government and other groups, is striving to bring quality affordable housing to the people of British Columbia," said Steven Mahoney, Secretary of State (Selected Crown Corporations). "Successes like Surrey's Strawberry Hill are key to developing strong communities, not just here in B.C., but throughout Canada."

"We are committed to supporting strong, safe and healthy communities," said provincial Minister responsible for housing George Abbott. "Surrey continues to have one of the fastest growing populations in the country. This well designed new development provides affordable homes that will help sustain the well-being and stability of families in this community."

"Conference Housing Society saw a growing need for affordable family housing in this community," said Reverend John Davies, society president. "We are extremely appreciative of the assistance provided by the governments of Canada and British Columbia to develop Strawberry Hill."

The new 64-unit development will provide housing for a wide range of families in an established residential location, near a main transit route and just a five-minute walk to local schools.

Under the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement, the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, will contribute $88.7 million over the next five years towards affordable housing in this province. The provincial government, through BC Housing, will provide $29.7 million annually to subsidize the costs of units built under this agreement, as part of a larger strategy to provide a range of housing options for vulnerable British Columbians.

This news release is available at www.bchousing.org online.

Contact:

Rhonda Cox
Corporate Communications
BC Housing
604 439-4734

Susan Davies
Office Manager
Conference Housing Society
604 944-4868

A brief backgrounder on the Strawberry Hill project follows.

Backgrounder

Conference Housing Society, formed in 1990, has built and manages four family housing developments in the Tri-Cities area. The land for the new Strawberry Hill project is owned by its sister society, the Conference Housing Charitable Association, which is leasing the land to the Conference Housing Property Management Association for 60 years. The society has a reputation for providing secure, well maintained buildings that provide a stepping stone for residents to pursue educational opportunities and new employment, which has ultimately enabled some people to move forward and purchase their own homes.

Strawberry Hill Facts

Location: 7555 - 120 A Street, Surrey

Number of units: 64

Strawberry Hill is one of the newer multi-family developments in this area and offers:

• The six-storey concrete building contains 36 two-bedroom units, 22 three-bedroom units and six four-bedroom units.
• Wheelchair adapted suites are located on all floors.
• The site is fenced to protect young children from traffic, with a paved tricycle path around an open playing field, and a playground and basketball area for older kids and teenagers.
• The development is adjacent to an established commercial district with a variety of community services and shopping.

Federal and provincial contributions

CMHC contributed $795,000 toward the capital costs of this project.

The provincial government, through BC Housing, will provide approximately $12.4 million in operating subsidies to the society over the next 35 years.

News source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)