As residents move into 40 newly completed rental homes in Gibsons, elected officials and invited dignitaries gathered Friday morning to celebrate the milestone and break ground for the next phase.
The Shaw Place project at 901 O’Shea Road consists of two phases. Construction on the first phase is complete and 40 homes are now open for families, seniors and individuals. Phase 1 is a four-storey building with a mix of studio, one, two and three-bedroom units.
Depending on unit size, monthly rental rates range from $842 for a studio to $2,300 for a three-bedroom, said a news release.
Phase 1 involved partnerships between the province, BC Housing, the federal government, the Town of Gibsons, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the Sunshine Coast Affordable Housing Society (SCAHS).
BC Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon remarked that having different types of housing options is vital to addressing the current housing challenges.
Kahlon highlighted Phase 2, which will bring 33 more units and is through BC Builds, a provincial program launched in February.
Thanking Mayor Silas White, Kahlon said when they came up with the idea for BC Builds, Gibsons was the first one to put their hand up ready to partner.
Phase 2 will also have a childcare centre with 43 spaces, 25 for children 30 months to school age and 18 before-and after-school spaces. A contribution of $2.9 million from ChildCare BC’s New Spaces Fund helped support the childcare space, along with provincial and federal investments.
The project is slated for completion in 2026.
Gibsons Mayor Silas White remarked that it seemed like only yesterday they were there to put the shovels in the ground and begin the project. (Phase 1 broke ground in November 2022.)
Prefacing that Gibsons has a population of under 5,000 people, he said, “If we look at 40 units here, this might house one and a half percent of the entire population of the town, which is really significant. It's a tremendous investment by our senior levels of government.”
In the release, White said, “I am thrilled to see the Shaw Place affordable housing development open and continue to progress, a key goal in our strategic plan. Providing safe and secure housing for families, seniors and individuals is crucial to strengthening our community and ensuring that Gibsons remains a vibrant and inclusive place for everyone.”
In the release, Kim Darwin, president, SCAHS said, “The stories we are hearing from tenants moving into Phase 1 are absolutely heartwarming. We are hearing how life-changing this much-needed, purpose-built, rental housing will be in their lives, allowing them to put down roots, knowing they won’t be subject to eviction due to sale or renovation.”
Jordan Copp is the Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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