The City of Vancouver took some time Oct. 14 to unveil the newest affordable housing project in the city, adding 125 units in Kerrisdale.
The development, named xwƛ̓əpicən (Musqueam for "the hollow"), has a mix of rental housing. There are 26 shelter rate units (which will include units for people transitioning out of supportive housing), 43 units affordable to people earning under BC Housing's Income Limit, and 56 units going for 10 per cent below market rate, according to a release from the city.
Units from the final category have shown up on Craigslist; they're being advertised for $1,300 for a 1-bedroom unit, noting they're wheelchair accessible.
YWCA Metro Vancouver will manage the units with help from Tikva Housing Society (which focuses on affordable housing primarily for Jewish people) and the Association of Neighbourhood Houses B.C. which operates housing sites in Kitsilano as well. There will be 32 units specifically designated for families with single mothers.
"YWCA Metro Vancouver is delighted to be able to offer 32 new homes to single mothers and their children, with the completion of xwƛ̓əpicən," says YWCA Metro Vancouver's CEO Michelle Sing. Today’s opening is the culmination of years of collaboration and we are so grateful for the strong partnership with Tikva and ANHBC, as well as the support of the City of Vancouver and Larco Investments Ltd, to make this incredible community a reality."
Along with the housing, there is also a children's play area and a rooftop garden.
The housing units are part of the Arbutus Centre redevelopment at 4105 Arbutus St., which first started to form over a decade ago. Construction began at the site in 2017. The Arbutus Centre Neighbourhood House is also at the site, as is an upcoming adult daycare centre.
