A new five-storey apartment building is officially open for Coquitlam seniors, families and those on "low to moderate incomes" to call home.
Today (Nov. 26), the B.C. government and local officials cut the ribbon on the new Mountain View Suites in Austin Heights, complete with 75 affordable housing units.
There's a mix of spaces for residents moving in to the 1110 King Albert Ave. complex, which will be owned and operated by the British Columbia Community Renewal Society of the United Church of Canada.
This includes studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units, with rents that start as low as $375 per month.
"We know people in Coquitlam need more options for quality, affordable housing options like Mountain View Suites," said Coquitlam-Maillardville MLA Selina Robinson, who was on hand for the grand opening.
B.C. provided $7.5 million for the project through its Building BC: Community Housing Fund, and is set to provide an annual operating subsidy of $560,000.
"Partnerships are key to success on these projects, so our government is proud to be working with the Pacific Mountain Region of the United Church of Canada and the City of Coquitlam to help deliver the affordable homes that people need here, and throughout the province," added Robinson.
Meanwhile, Coquitlam contributed $660,000 to Mountain View Suites through its affordable housing reserve fund, which Mayor Richard Stewart said is the "cornerstone" of the city's overall strategy.
The building, which also has an adjoining chapel and community space, was constructed on land worth $5.3-million provided by the Como Lake United Church congregation in partnership with the Pacific Mountain Region of the United Church of Canada.
"Having property throughout B.C. puts the United Church in a position to leverage our assets for the benefit of localities where we serve, not just for our congregations but for the wider communities," said spokesperson Deborah Richards in a news release.
"This partnership with BC Housing through the Community Housing Fund enables us to provide working families, seniors and individuals with the affordable, quality housing they need."
The province said Mountain View Suites is the latest building in its 10-year, $7-billion housing plan, which has funded nearly 400 homes in Coquitlam since 2017.
