78 THE 8.C. government has quadrupled matching grant funds available to com- munity groups to initiate af- fordable housing projects, housing minister Robin Blencoe recently announced. This will help offset the federal government’s plan to cut funding for social hous- ing by a further 35% in 1993. Blencoe has challeng- ed federal housing minister Elmer Mackay to abandon the planned cuts and follow - Friday, Nov. 13, 1992 - North Shore News disabilities, or others in need of housing. Grants may be used for expenses such as planning studies, preliminary draw- ings, land options and legal costs; they will match, dolar for dollar, an organization’s initial finan- cial commitment to the pro- ject. Once completed, the projects will be run without further provincial govern- ment assistance. ‘‘For many organizations, a re aE 44 For many organizations, the grants will make it possible to translate ideas into community action. FF - housing minister Robin Blencoe the province’s lead in pro- viding more housing for those most in need. “This year, we have in- creased the money available through the Matching Grant Program to $300,000 from $67,000,’’ Blencoe said. “These grants should help spur development of 300 to $00 additional units of af- fordable housing throughout the province.’” Housing societies and co- operative associations can apply to B.C. Housing for matching grants of up to $20,000 to help build non- profit housing projects for seniors, families, single women, persons with the grants will make it possible to translate ideas into community action,’’ said Blencoe. Several successful non- profit projects have already been made possible through the non-profit Matching Grant Program. These in- clude rental housing for seniors built by non-profit societies, and equity coop- eratives where seniors pur- chase shares that cover the unit cost, except for a mon- thiy maintenance fee. ‘‘The success of these projects shows that community- based solutions that operate without long-term financial support from the province MARK Funds increased for non-pro are possible,’ said Blencoe. “We are in the process of constructing @ comprehen- sive, multi-faceted housing strategy, founded on broad public consultation. The non-profit Matching Grant Program is one compo- nent,”’ he said. “The strategy will com- prise a range of options for meeting the broad spectrum of housings*esertiempess- within a framework of pru- dent fiscal management. Our efforts will .invoive strengthening our partner- ships with community groups, and building strong relationships with municipal governments, cooperative associations and the private sector,’’ added Blencoe. The recently announced HASI program — Home Adaptations for Seniors’ Independence — also forms part of the new provincial strategy, HASI is a 1.67 million dollar pilot project, sponsored by the federal and provincial governments, which helps low-income seniors pay for home adap- tations which will help them continue to live in- dependently. Other recent initiatives include an amendment to the Municipal Act requiring local governments to plan for affordable housing through the community planning process, and a $400,000 Housing Innova- tion Planning Grant Pro- gram to assist local gov- ROSENBERG 980-4176 GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY m This won't fast! Compietely remodelled 3 bdrm. character home. Like new inside. 2 sundrenched G decks with mountain views. 6° unfinished basement (great for storage). Quiet & convenient toca- tion. Opan Sun. 2-4. 330 E. 20th, N.V. OUSTAN DING VALUE Extensively remodelled 2 level home on southern exposed 51'x134' lot. Approx. 1720 sq.ft. of liv- ing area including 2 bdrm.s & den (could be 3rd bdrm.). 1% baths, separate dining rm., garage with lane access. Prime Lynn Valley location. Open Sun. 2-4, 1635 Evelyn St. “sutton group - west,caast fealty AN INDEPENDENT MWENBER. BROKER’ ° -986- 9321 ernments in undertaking the necessary planning work. The provincial govern- ment has also increased from 30% to 50% the number of units in coopera- tive housing projects built under the Federal Coopera- tive Housing Program which are eligible for rent sub- sidies. As well, housing assistance is available to British Columbians through the social housing programs, the B.C. Rental Supply Program, and the SAFER progsam. 1849 CHESTERFIELD AVE. A Excellent 2 family accommodation. 5 A bedrcoms, 3 baths, 2 fireptaces, thermal win- m dows, duilt-in vacuum, intercom in every room. * Opportunity F is knocking. It can be yours. “Later this year, the Pro- vincial Commission on Housing Options will recommend practical ideas and innovations to address the issues of housing affor- dability and housing supp- ly,’’ said Blencoe. Examples of projects de- veloped with matching grants include a 70-unit equity cooperative in Ladner built by the Crescent Downs Seniors' Housing Society, and a 22-unit project built in Armstrong by the Arm- strong Seniors’ Housing fit housing Baptists. In addition, rental units were ion ped by the municipality of Port MeNeill in partnership with the Port McNeill Seniors’ Housing group, and a nine-bed horae in Delta has been developed by the Ab- beyfield House St. David’s Society. Cooperative associations and non-profit societies should contact B.C. Hous- ing to apply for the non- profit Matching Grant Pro- gram. ELA TOMLIN 986-9321 Bus. 984-8351 Res. GARDEN APT. DESIGNATION Y% BLOCK TO LONSDALE Nice home in move in condition. § $225, G00. 156 W. 18TH ST. SHYAM HIRA be@ad 986-0654 Home 686-4870 Pager Master Member 9 Yoars Best things in life are FREE Cail now for FREE EVALUATION INVESTOR OR “ST TIME BUYER! Near-new carpets, bright and cheerful indoor pool/jacuzzifexercise room. #10¢7-2012 Fulles- f ton. Open Sat/Sun. 12:30 to 2:30. D-R-E-A-M HOME & bedroom executive home. 3 years old. 3800 sq.ft. approx. Call for details! LACONDO B 17th floor. Studio — Territic W-AT-E-R view. 2 BDORMS. with wib t ner suite. Walk to Capitano Malt & bus services. TRY M000 DOWN E + $933 MO/MTG -r-eplace. South West cor- 7,000 DOWN ¥ O.AMTG. © Corner suite * New carpets, freshly painted © New blinds & new light fixtures — guest suite / exercise / sauna roc. #1107-145 St. Georges § Ave. Open Sat/Sun. 2:45-4:30. NEAT As ‘A PINI! 1 bdrm — Nr. new carpets — Indoor pool/jacuzzi —_ Security gate — Rentals allowed — 1-N-V-E- 9 SFO R-S or owners.