East Vancouver church redevelopment promises 104 new affordable homes

More than 100 new affordable rental homes are coming to East Vancouver as part of a major redevelopment at Lakeview Multicultural United Church.

Representatives from the federal government, the City of Vancouver and the church gathered at the corner of Semlin Drive and 12th Avenue Wednesday to celebrate the start of construction on the project.

“The six-storey building that’s going to go up right here is going to provide new homes for singles, couples, families and, of course, seniors,” said Vancouver Granville MP Taleeb Noormohamed at the news conference.

The federal government is providing the bulk of the funding for the 104-unit building, contributing $45.5 million through its Affordable Housing Fund.

“This funding represents more than dollars,” said Treena Duncan, executive minister of the Pacific Mountain Regional Council of the United Church of Canada, at Wednesday’s event.

“It’s an investment in hope, in community, and in the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home.”

Lakeview Multicultural United Church donated the land for the project, which will include a replacement church on the ground floor.

The United Church of Canada’s Pacific Mountain Regional Council contributed $3.5 million toward construction, a total that includes $2.3 million from the 625 Powell St. Foundation.

The City of Vancouver also contributed, offering a $2.15-million Community Housing Incentive Program grant and waiving $2 million in development charges.

When completed, the $53-million building will include homes ranging from studios to three-bedroom units, as well as indoor and outdoor amenity space on the fourth floor and a 1,700-square-foot children’s play area.

“These affordable homes will be well-located within the city,” said Noormohamed. “We’re an eight-minute walk from the SkyTrain and a stone’s throw away from Trout Lake.”