AFFORDABLE SENIORS’ HOUSING OPENS IN COQUITLAM

News Release: Feb. 19, 2011

COQUITLAM – The governments of Canada and British Columbia, along with community partners, gathered today to celebrate the opening of the Earl Haig Retirement Residence, a new 50-unit housing development for seniors.

“In Coquitlam and throughout the country, Canada’s Economic Action Plan is working," said the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. “These units represent an important addition to the housing stock in the Tri-Cities area. More importantly, the Earl Haig Retirement Residence offers seniors a new place to call home where they can continue live independently in a supportive, community environment.”

“Earl Haig Retirement Residence gives seniors in our community better access to quality, affordable housing options,” said Iain Black, Minister of Labour and MLA for Port Moody-Coquitlam. “These new apartments give seniors and people with disabilities in the Tri-Cities area more and better choices for housing. Our government is committed to investing in projects like this that make a real difference in the lives of British Columbians.”

Through an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement, the federal and provincial governments are contributing a combined total of approximately $2.6 million for 18 Seniors’ Rental Housing (SRH) units. The Earl Haig society provided the land equity, valued at approximately $3 million.

“For over 50 years, our society has committed to providing quality, affordable housing solutions for seniors,” said David J. Fletcher, chairman of the Earl Haig Society. “The opening of this new development builds on our long-established commitment, providing area seniors with more affordable rental homes in the City of Coquitlam.”

The Earl Haig Society has owned and managed an affordable housing apartment for seniors on this site since 1965. The Earl Haig Society (Coquitlam) is operating and managing the housing units, including the 18 SRH units.