Successfully Completed Project: Camas Gardens
Camas Gardens is a 44-unit supportive housing development
located at 950 Humboldt St. in Victoria.
The development is managed by the Pacifica
Housing Advisory Association. Pacifica Housing is a
non-profit society that offers housing outreach and support
services for individuals who are considered hard to house or are at
risk for homelessness.
Why redevelop?
950 Humboldt was the site of an older, 14-unit social housing development that was becoming increasingly costly to maintain properly. The site was under-utilized and could accommodate a housing development with many more units. It was one of the sites identified in a 2008 Memorandum of Understanding agreement between BC Housing and the City of Victoria to fast-track the development of 170 new or upgraded housing units to reduce homelessness.
950 Humboldt was the site of an older, 14-unit social housing development that was becoming increasingly costly to maintain properly. The site was under-utilized and could accommodate a housing development with many more units. It was one of the sites identified in a 2008 Memorandum of Understanding agreement between BC Housing and the City of Victoria to fast-track the development of 170 new or upgraded housing units to reduce homelessness.
Partnerships
Following the 2008 agreement with the City of Victoria, the federal government contributed approximately $3.3 million to support the construction of Camas Gardens. The BC government contributed $6 million and is providing over $400,000 in annual operating funds. The City of Victoria waived fees and development charges valued at over $225,000. BC Housing is leasing the site to Pacifica Housing Advisory Association for a nominal fee for the next 60 years.
Following the 2008 agreement with the City of Victoria, the federal government contributed approximately $3.3 million to support the construction of Camas Gardens. The BC government contributed $6 million and is providing over $400,000 in annual operating funds. The City of Victoria waived fees and development charges valued at over $225,000. BC Housing is leasing the site to Pacifica Housing Advisory Association for a nominal fee for the next 60 years.
The residents
Residents who lived in the old social housing complex were provided with offers for other subsidized housing options. The old complex was demolished, and in 2009, construction began on the new building. Camas Gardens opened in 2011, with 30 more units than the old development. It is for people who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, in particular for individuals with mental health or addiction issues. The annual operating funds provided by the government ensure two members of the support staff are onsite at the facility 24/7 to provide necessary support and assistance to residents.
Residents who lived in the old social housing complex were provided with offers for other subsidized housing options. The old complex was demolished, and in 2009, construction began on the new building. Camas Gardens opened in 2011, with 30 more units than the old development. It is for people who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, in particular for individuals with mental health or addiction issues. The annual operating funds provided by the government ensure two members of the support staff are onsite at the facility 24/7 to provide necessary support and assistance to residents.
Result
The new building incorporates many green features such as enhanced heating with rooftop solar hot water panels, increased natural light, and low-flow fixtures. It provides needed supportive services to hard to house individuals in Victoria. Located near downtown, Camas Gardens is within walking or cycling distance to many services. The development contains a communal kitchen and a courtyard for residents to socialize. The building has been recognized for its outstanding design, winning the 2011 Victoria Commercial Building Design Award and the 2012 Canadian Wood Council BC Wood Design Award in the Multi-Family category.
The new building incorporates many green features such as enhanced heating with rooftop solar hot water panels, increased natural light, and low-flow fixtures. It provides needed supportive services to hard to house individuals in Victoria. Located near downtown, Camas Gardens is within walking or cycling distance to many services. The development contains a communal kitchen and a courtyard for residents to socialize. The building has been recognized for its outstanding design, winning the 2011 Victoria Commercial Building Design Award and the 2012 Canadian Wood Council BC Wood Design Award in the Multi-Family category.
More Information
Recent News
New supportive housing opens in Victoria
09-NOV-2011
VICTORIA – Camas Gardens is helping to change the lives of people in Victoria who are homeless or at risk ...
Our Stories
Case study: Camas Gardens
The Victoria supportive housing development has been recognized for its outstanding design.