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Canada, B.C. Announce New Seniors’ Housing Construction

The governments of Canada and British Columbia announced today $15.5 million for the construction of 322 modular housing units for seniors and persons with disabilities to be constructed by four B.C. modular housing manufacturers, including Chaparral Industries.

“The Harper Government is helping Canadian seniors and persons with disabilities during these tough economic times through Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Our government’s investment of nearly $1 million will stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession,” said Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna – Lake Country, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). “Here in Kelowna, this achievement gives hope to seniors and people with disabilities who need quality affordable housing that meets their needs, while creating local jobs.”

“Through the Seniors’ Rental Housing initiative, our government is committed to creating more affordable housing options for seniors and persons with disabilities,” said Norm Letnick, MLA for Kelowna – Lake Country. “Modular construction is an innovative way to produce this much needed housing. I am very pleased that Chaparral Industries was awarded the contract to build 44 modular units here in Kelowna.”

Through an amendment to the Canada – British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement, the federal and provincial governments are contributing a combined total of $15.5 million for the construction of the 322 modular housing units. As part of the Seniors’ Rental Housing (SRH) initiative, these modular units will be shipped to selected rural communities across the Province to provide affordable housing for independent seniors and persons with disabilities.

Chaparral Industries will be constructing 44 modular housing units costing approximately $1.9 million. Chaparral Industries, a family-owned business operated by brothers Jim and John Pushor, specializes in residential, commercial and recreational modular buildings. Chaparral Industries has been a leading manufacturer of modular buildings in Kelowna for over 25 years and has earned a solid reputation in the construction industry by the consistently high quality of its products.

“Our persistent search for new materials, technologies and manufacturing techniques, reflects our commitment to give our customers the best possible product,” said John Pushor, Chaparral Industries. “We are pleased and excited to partner with the federal and provincial governments to construct these much needed affordable housing units for seniors and persons with disabilities.”

In addition to Chaparral Industries, the three other successful proponents, selected by BC Housing through a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued in August 2009 were Britco Structures Inc., Northern Trailer, and Freeport Industries Ltd. These companies will construct single-storey modular units utilizing B.C. forest products and designed to incorporate energy-efficient features.

The SRH initiative is a result of a $365-million joint investment under an amendment to the Canada – British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement, which includes funding through Canada’s Economic Action Plan and by the Government of British Columbia. This initiative will provide $123.5 million, including $104 million for seniors and $19.5 million for persons with disabilities, to develop up to 1,000 new affordable rental housing units, which will help to stimulate local economies in smaller communities across B.C. Under terms of the agreement, the provincial and federal governments will provide matching contributions of $61.79 million.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment in 2008 of more than $1.9 billion, over the next five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless. It provides a total of $475 million, over two years, to build new rental housing, including $400 million for housing for low-income seniors and $75 million for housing for persons with disabilities. Overall, the Economic Action Plan includes $2 billion for new and existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

The Province of British Columbia’s $14-billion capital infrastructure program is creating up to 88,000 jobs, helping to build vital public infrastructure in every region of the province and stimulating local economies across B.C.