People who are working in or retired from B.C.'s performing arts and entertainment industry will soon have access to 66 affordable rental homes in New Westminster.

Located at 831 Carnarvon St., the new development is under construction as part of a partnership between the Province, PAL Vancouver and Vintop Development Corporation.

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"This unique project will give people in our community the peace of mind that comes with safe and secure housing - something that every British Columbian deserves," said Judy Darcy, MLA for New Westminster. "It is a great example of how working with community partners, we can build affordable homes for people from all walks of life across B.C."

The province is providing $7.4 million to help build the eight-storey building, which will provide 25 studios and 41 one-bedroom units for those from arts-oriented professions with low to moderate incomes. Priority will be given to seniors and people with disabilities.

PAL Vancouver will be the operator. The non-profit organization was established in 2001 to provide long-standing members of performing arts professions with affordable housing in a vibrant community.

Vintop Development Corporation is contributing $2 million to the project.

"The City of New Westminster is committed to working with our non-profit partners, the development industry and senior levels of government to create new affordable housing, which meets the full spectrum of needs in our community,” said Jonathan Coté, mayor of the City of New Westminster. “This project, and others like it, demonstrates the power of partnership and the need for creative and shared solutions if we are to succeed in addressing the region's housing affordability crisis."

Quick Facts:

* In addition to the 66 affordable rental homes under construction on Carnarvon St., the province is working in partnership to build 44 supportive homes for people experiencing homelessness in New Westminster.