Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Price said he’s glad to see construction projects like Victoria Gardens bring housing opportunities to the community.
The building has 20 affordable units for seniors and families, which Price said is a welcomed addition.
“There certainly is a need for that in the community, and it’s nice to see a partnership between the province and Canadian Mental Health Association bring that forward,” said Price. “I think these are the kinds of projects that the average general contractor is not going to undertake. There is a very serious need in our community for affordable and low-income housing so this is a good start.”
The building was funded by an $8-million investment from the provincial government through the Affordable Rental Housing Program.
Price said the B.C. government investing in Cranbrook shows they want to make a change.
“I think in the past, we’ve seen the bigger projects going forward in the larger centres. I believe the province is looking at smaller communities out east now, so it’s very encouraging,” said Price.
The 20 units include 16 one and two-bedroom apartments for families and seniors, as well as four accessible units for people with disabilities.
Price said more significant developments are set to come forward in Cranbrook in the future.
“We’re in the process of approving 12 subdivision applications, and we got six more that are incoming,” said Price. “From what I understand, that could result in anywhere between 1,800 and 1,900 dwelling units being built.”
“We haven’t seen that, really, since the Wildstone and Shadow Mountain developments came forward. It’s encouraging and we know that it’s needed.”
More: New affordable housing complex for seniors and families opens in Cranbrook (Apr 24, 2023)
