City of New Westminster awards conditional approval to Catalyst Community Developments, Community Living Society and WINGS to advance the development of affordable housing projects
 

New Westminster – The City of New Westminster has awarded conditional approval to two proponents for the development of affordable housing projects on two city-owned sites. Development of 43 Hastings Street has been awarded to the Community Living Society (CLS) which submitted a proposal in partnership with Catalyst Community Developments Society. The proposal submitted by Women in Need Gaining Strength (WINGS) was selected for the site at 630 Ewen Avenue. Both Catalyst and WINGS are non-profit societies that specialize in the development of affordable housing projects. Both CLS and WINGS are based in New Westminster.

“As New Westminster grows we must ensure affordable housing options exist for our citizens,” said Mayor Jonathan X. Coté. “Affordable housing is one of the City’s strategic priorities and aims to provide low income households in New Westminster with housing that is safe, adequate, and affordable.”

In June of 2015, the City of New Westminster requested proposals for the two sites. The request emphasized innovation in developing affordable housing through the use of City-owned land. Catalyst and CLS have proposed three family friendly townhouse units and three apartments for adults with disabilities for the 43 Hastings Street site. WINGS is proposing to build a family-oriented rental building for 630 Ewen Avenue that will have five two-bedroom units. In addition, RFP evaluation criteria sought to identify projects that: 1) demonstrate short and long-term affordability; 2) are sympathetic in design with existing neighbourhoods; 3) are suitable for families with children; 4) can be replicated elsewhere in the City, and; 5) can be under construction by summer 2017.

“Meeting the affordable housing needs of the residents of New Westminster is essential to social and economic health of the community,” said Beverly Grieve, Director of Development Services. “The lessons learned through the development of the two affordable housing projects will inspire more developments in the future.”

The Mayor’s Housing Affordability Task Force will continue to support of the creation of new non-market housing for low and moderate income households, affordable rental housing, and affordable home ownership in New Westminster.

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Click below to expand the schematic drawings for the 43 Hastings Street site.