People move into 100 new affordable homes in Surrey

SURREY – Individuals, couples and families have started moving into 100 new affordable rental homes in Surrey.
“Families in Surrey need access to affordable housing and that is why we continue to make historic investments in the community,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “Opening the doors on these 100 brand-new homes will change lives for the better. After decades of under investment in affordable housing in Surrey we continue to make record investments.”
Located at 13583 81 Ave., Habitat @ 81st is a six-storey building with a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom homes for households with moderate and low incomes.
The building’s main floor and part of the second floor feature community services and programs delivered by Habitat’s sister society, Options Community Services Society, in support of children, youth, families, immigrants and people with mental-health and addiction challenges.
Rents range from $375 for a studio to $1,950 for a three-bedroom home and are a mix of rent geared to 30% of a resident’s income, market rates and deep-subsidy rates.
This project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has more than 77,000 homes delivered or underway, including more than 2,200 homes in Surrey.
The project is a partnership between the federal and provincial governments, the City of Surrey, Metro Vancouver and the Habitat Housing Society. The building is operated by Habitat Housing Society and includes ground-level outdoor and roof-top patios, an amenity room and communal laundry on each floor. All suites include air conditioning.
The Province, through BC Housing, contributed $21.2 million for the project, including:
* $15.4 million from the Affordable Rental Housing Program; and $5.8 million from the Building BC: Community Housing Fund.
“Creating homes to address the housing crisis is a priority and I’m thrilled to see 100 new purpose-built rental homes being added to Surrey’s housing stock that will help residents thrive by creating safe, stable and affordable housing. The City recognizes its role in expediting projects and that’s why we were happy to waive development fees for Habitat @ 81st. I thank the Province, CMHC and Habitat Housing Society for their significant investments,” said Brenda Locke, mayor of Surrey.