Recent provincial budget cuts in British Columbia are casting a shadow over critical affordable housing initiatives, particularly impacting vulnerable women and their families. A significant project in Surrey, designed to provide hundreds of deeply affordable homes, now faces an uncertain future due to the pause of a key provincial funding program.
Key Takeaways
- A 690-unit affordable housing project for vulnerable women in Surrey is at risk due to provincial budget cuts.
- The Community Housing Fund (CHF), crucial for such projects, has paused new applications.
- Non-profits are exploring alternative funding, but express concern over the loss of government support.
Project at Risk
The Jessica Place redevelopment project in Surrey, spearheaded by the Entre Nous Femmes Housing Society (ENFHS), aimed to deliver over 690 homes across two phases. A substantial 70 percent of these units were intended to be deeply affordable, catering to single mothers, women-led households, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and Indigenous women. This project was set to apply for funding through the province's Community Housing Fund (CHF).
However, the 2026 provincial budget has placed a freeze on the CHF program, forcing ENFHS back to the drawing board. Lilian Chau, CEO of ENFHS, expressed dismay, stating that the pause eliminates a vital opportunity to provide much-needed deeply affordable housing in a community with significant need. The CHF has been instrumental since 2018, facilitating the creation of over 13,000 affordable rental units.
Impact on Vulnerable Populations
Chau highlighted the dire consequences of reduced funding, noting that vulnerable women may be forced to remain in unsuitable or unsafe living conditions, such as overcrowded spaces or situations involving domestic violence, due to a lack of viable alternatives. While acknowledging fiscal constraints, she emphasized the necessity of sustained provincial investment to support these populations. The slowing pace of development, contrasted with the persistent need, means the most vulnerable will be left behind.
Exploring Alternative Funding
In response to the funding pause, ENFHS is actively exploring alternative avenues. These include issuing community bonds, forging partnerships with real estate investment trusts (REITs) and pension funds that prioritize corporate social responsibility, and engaging with investors seeking social returns alongside financial ones. ENFHS, founded in 1984 by single mothers, has a history of providing affordable housing and currently has a pipeline of at least 500 homes scheduled for completion by 2028.
Provincial Response
The B.C. Ministry of Housing acknowledged in a statement that the 2026 budget involves adjusting the pace of some housing investments. However, the ministry clarified that the CHF is not being cancelled. While the 2025 request for proposals was rescinded, the focus remains on completing projects already underway from previous intakes. The ministry expressed gratitude for the work of community groups and pledged to provide updates on future CHF intakes.
