Sea to Sky Community Services has been working hard to bring affordable housing and a space for community services to Pemberton with the Harrow Road Affordable Housing Development.
The development is being led by SSCS in partnership with BC Housing and will be delivering on a 2019 commitment by the Village of Pemberton when Council added affordable housing as a strategic priority to its community plan.
“This is a tremendous opportunity”, says Jordan Sturdy, Pemberton business owner and MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky. “It’s hard to see how Pemberton could ever have too much affordable housing. Like many others, I have found that securing accommodations for my employees to be almost impossible.”
Increased population growth, rising housing prices and a limited supply of affordable rental opportunities are putting pressure on many people in Pemberton, including local businesses and employers. The new affordable housing project, planned for the corner of Harrow Road and Highway 99, will include 32 units allocated to families, as well as 31 units for seniors and persons with disabilities. This includes eight dedicated accessible units.
In addition to housing units, the building will include ground floor space for social services provided through SSCS.
“Affordable housing is foundational to a healthy, prosperous community,” said Jaye Russell, Executive Director of SSCS. “Just as important are services that support early childhood development, persons with differing abilities, and people who rely on mental health and social services. Last year, we served 2,421 individuals from Pemberton and the surrounding communities and year over year, we’re seeing demand for these services rise by approximately eight per cent. This new building means our staff will have a permanent home in Pemberton, and the individuals and families we support can continue to rely on our services.”
“For families, kids, and the next generation to grow up here, work here and ultimately retire here, it’s really challenging to find affordable housing” says MLA Sturdy. “The BC Housing investment is a very significant opportunity for Pemberton, and I hope we are able to make it our own, realize the opportunity and support the future of Pemberton locals, families, and businesses. I acknowledge the hard work of the partners – BC Housing, SSCS and the Village of Pemberton. Partnerships are essential to address community housing needs and this one provides a housing solution that’s appropriate for the needs in Pemberton.”
The Village of Pemberton is holding a public hearing on the zoning amendment that is required to proceed with the development. The hearing will take place on Tuesday Sept 27th at 6:30pm. Find out how you can support affordable housing in Pemberton or learn more about the development HERE.