Tofino Housing Corporation
Vision: A safe, secure and affordable place to live is available to all people who call Tofino home.
PROJECT UPDATES
DL 114 Project - Starting Soon - but a bit delayed!
The BC Housing Community Housing Fund has selected both the North (Lot 2) and South (Lot 1) sites as affordable rental housing projects. The Catalyst Community Developments Society was hopeful that construction would begin in late September, but are now targeting a late October start. Construction will start with the extension of Peterson Drive and the 35-unit rental apartment on the North (Lot 2). If you would like to receive regular updates about the construction schedule and activities please email Helen Lui, the Development Manager, at helen@catalystcommdev.org.
The Community Housing Fund will be providing a capital grant of approximately $7.7 million to the two rental housing projects and an ongoing operating subsidy. A mix of studio, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom units will be rented to families, seniors and others at a range of different rents. Twenty percent of the units will be affordable to those on fixed incomes or social assistance, 50% of the units will have rents fixed to 30% of household income and generally eligible to those making between approximately $25,000 and $65,000 and 30% of the units will be affordable market units with rents ranging between approximately $900 and $2000 depending on unit size. The first units will be move-in ready in the spring of 2023.
Sharp Rd Construction Progress
The 14 units of rental housing at the Sharp Rd site are beginning to really take shape. Past month highlights included:
In the month of Aug, the following progress was completed on site:
- completed framing interior and exterior walls, and roof for building A
- started mechanical & electrical rough ins
- completed exterior wall framing for building B
The planned progress into September includes completing mechanical and electrical rough-ins and starting exterior finishes, insulation and boarding.
Catalyst Community Developments Society will be taking applications from interested households towards the end of 2021 and will release more information at a later date regarding the application and selection process. See the story below for more details.
Tofino Housing Corporation Overview
As the construction of the rental housing at 700 Sharp Rd (down the road from the Dolphin Motel) is underway and the first apartment building at DL 114 (up behind the Peterson Drive housing) is scheduled to begin construction later this year, the THC has released an overview publication: why THC exists, who is eligible for THC-facilitated housing and how THC is funded. THC is excited to have reached the point where there will be new below-market, affordable rental housing available soon - by early 2022.
SHARP RD: DEVELOPMENT BEGINS FEBRUARY 8th
The initial site development for the 14 units of below-market affordable rental housing is starting at 700 Sharp Rd. Building construction will begin later in February. The project includes:
- four 1 bed units renting between approx. $875 to $1125
- four 2 bed units renting between approx. $1100 and $1550
- six 3 bed units renting between approx. $1220 and $1725
The priority is to rent to households who have been living in the region, working full time in Tofino and with household incomes less than approximately $51,000 for the 1 bedroom units, $81,000 for the 2 bedroom units and $91,000 for the 3 bedroom units.
Catalyst Community Developments Society will be taking applications from interested households towards the end of 2021 and will release more information at a later date regarding the application and selection process. Tenants will be matched to units based on household size and income. If you would like to receive an email notice when the applications process and timelines are announced please email execdirec@tofinohousingcorp.ca.
STRATEGIC PLAN: 2021-2023
The Tofino Housing Corporation has released its 2021-2023 Strategic Plan. The plan outlines a renewed vision, mission, four focus areas and the strategic priorities for the next three years. THC has a vision of A safe, secure and affordable place to live is available to all people who call Tofino home with a mission to facilitate development and operation of below market housing in Tofino. The Plan is the Corporation's guide to take it through this first phase of development at DL 114 and Sharp Rd and the actions required to set the stage for meeting its 2030 development target. For more information on the THC focus areas and strategic priorities and actions please consult the Strategic Plan.
SOLD!
The 1 bedroom Price Restricted Resident Restricted home at Gateway that was offered for sale in November 2020 was sold to Jess McGarry and Glen Pearson. They were the lucky winners of the Purchase Lottery and the THC wishes them all the best in their new home:
Glen Pearson
Occupation: Apprentice Carpenter/Small business owner at Specifically Pacific Designs. Passionate about: Spending time in the water and exploring the great outdoors.
Jess McGarry
Occupation: Visitor Services Coordinator.
Passionate about: People, paddling, & living the Island-life sustainably