Affordable Homes For Vulnerable Women, Children On The Way In Courtenay

Vulnerable women, their children and families in Courtenay will soon have access to 48 new affordable rental homes.

Construction has begun on a new development, providing permanent housing for women and gender-diverse people leaving violence, including transgender women, Two-Spirit, and non-binary people, along with their children and other vulnerable individuals who are ready to leave second-stage housing.

“These new homes will give vulnerable women and their children security and stability, while having a long-term, positive impact on the Courtenay community,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing.

“Our government is proud to work in partnership to deliver homes like these that help people live a happier, healthier life.”

The housing will be operated by the Comox Valley Transition Society (CVTS), which supports people leaving abuse, working toward recovery, or overcoming trauma.

CVTS also operates second-stage housing for women and gender-diverse people in the community.

Guests can stay in second-stage housing for six to 18 months while they prepare for independent living.

The modular building will have studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Monthly rents will be determined closer to the building opening and will be well below market rate.

“We field multiple calls per day from women of all ages, with and without children, who are seeking to leave an unsafe situation,” said CVTS Executive Director Heather Ney.

“This next phase of housing is part of our plan to accommodate the many individuals and families who have been supported at Darry’s Place and allow them to stabilize, heal and plan for the future by providing the much-needed affordable rental housing that has been missing in our community. Secure housing of all kinds changes lives.”

This building is the result of a partnership between the Province, through BC Housing, the City of Courtenay, CVTS and Pacific Swell Developments.

Construction is expected to be complete in summer 2024.