New affordable townhomes for single mothers and their children are now open in New Westminster, thanks to funding from the province and support from the City of New Westminster.

“It’s wonderful to see our community coming together to make sure women and children have safe and secure homes to call their own,” said Judy Darcy, MLA for New Westminster on behalf of Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “I would like to thank everyone who made this project a reality. As a government, we are committed to working with our partners to build homes and create opportunities for women and children to thrive.”

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Calisto Place, located in New Westminster’s Queensborough neighbourhood, is operated by Women in Need Gaining Strength (WINGS), a non-profit charitable organization providing housing, programs and support for at-risk women and children. The five-unit townhouse complex was designed for smaller single-parent families.

It has play areas for children and access to parks, schools, transit and other community amenities. Each of the new townhomes includes two bedrooms, a kitchen, living and dining rooms, and a three-piece bathroom.

“Working together we are making a difference for families in our community,” said Judy Grams, board chair, WINGS. “Two years ago, the idea of building five units of affordable housing for women and children was only a dream. Now it is a reality. It has been a pleasure to join with the City of New Westminster and BC Housing on this project.”

The province provided a $600,000 grant and construction financing of $418,000 for the five townhomes. The City of New Westminster provided the land and covered municipal costs related to development and permit fees. Baptist Housing provided a $100,000 bond for the project, as well as free consulting.

“The opening of the new affordable townhouse units in our Queensborough neighbourhood is another significant accomplishment in the City of New Westminster’s commitment to provide affordable housing options that meet the needs of our diverse community,” said Jonathan X. Coté, mayor, City of New Westminster. “I am proud that by working in partnership with BC Housing and WINGS, we have been able to provide a safe and welcoming place for single women and their children to live.”

The project was completed in September 2019 and will be fully occupied by the end of the month. Rent is $900 per month for each townhome.

Delivering affordable housing is a shared priority between government and the BC Green Party caucus and is part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement.