Canadian veterans, first responders and legion members will be prioritized for the 91 affordable rental homes.
A new $312-million Legion Veterans Village in Surrey will provide 91 new affordable rental homes, a new Legion branch, and a new centre dedicated to providing health-care services to veterans and first responders.
Canadian veterans, first responders and legion members will be prioritized for the 91 rental homes, which will be owned and operated by VRS Communities.
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The homes will occupy floor two to seven of the 20-storey building at 10626 City Parkway in Whalley and include a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom suites. Ten of them are designed with wheelchair-accessible kitchens and bathrooms and other accessibility features.
“Now that the project’s doors are open, current and retired Canadian Forces members and first responders will not have to leave the community they know and love in search of affordable housing,” said housing minister Ravi Kahlon in a statement.
“Projects like this help ensure our veterans have the support they need to retire with dignity.”
The province contributed nearly $12 million for the veterans’ housing part of the project, described as a “multi-purpose social infrastructure project.”
The project was led by the B.C./Yukon Command of the Roayl Canadian Legion, along with the Whalley Legion Branch 229, provincial government and Lark Group.
In addition to the homes, there is a new clinic which will provide health care, rehabilitation and counselling services to veterans and first responders, as well as a new Whalley Legion Branch, including a restaurant, bar, banquet room, cadet assembly hall, and full-service industrial kitchen.
It also includes 171 market rental units, operated by Dava Developments, available to the general public.
chchan@postmedia.com
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