Construction has started on a new 48-unit affordable housing development in Courtenay, geared specifically toward vulnerable women and children in the community.

The new building will provide permanent housing for women and gender-diverse people leaving violence, including transgender women, Two-Spirit and non-binary people, along with their children and other vulnerable individuals who are ready to leave second-stage housing.

鈥淭hese new homes will give vulnerable women and their children security and stability, while having a long-term, positive impact on the Courtenay community,鈥� said Minister of Housing, Ravi Kahlon. 鈥淥ur government is proud to work in partnership to deliver homes like these that help people live a happier, healthier life.鈥�

The housing will be operated by the Comox Valley Transition Society (CVTS), which supports people leaving abuse, working toward recovery or overcoming trauma. CVTS also operates second-stage housing for women and gender-diverse people in the community. Guests can stay in second-stage housing for six to 18 months while they prepare for independent living.

鈥淲e field multiple calls per day from women of all ages, with and without children, who are seeking to leave an unsafe situation,鈥� said Heather Ney, executive director, CVTS. 鈥淭his next phase of housing is part of our plan to accommodate the many individuals and families who have been supported at Darry鈥檚 Place (second-stage housing) and allow them to stabilize, heal and plan for the future by providing the much-needed affordable rental housing that has been missing in our community. Secure housing of all kinds changes lives.鈥�

RELATED: New second-stage housing community opens in Courtenay

鈥淣ot having a safe place to call home is precarious and frightening, particularly for women and gender-diverse people, and their children,鈥� said Kelli Paddon, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity. 鈥淎 safe, affordable place to live will make a world of difference for people rebuilding their lives when they can put down roots and a look forward to a more secure future.鈥�

The modular building will have studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Monthly rents will be determined closer to the building opening, and will be well below market rate.

This building is the result of a partnership between the province, through BC Housing, the City of Courtenay, CVTS and Pacific Swell Developments.

鈥淓veryone deserves a good, safe place to call home,鈥� said Ronna-Rae Leonard, MLA for Courtenay-Comox. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to be working with our partners to create homes like these for women, gender-diverse people and other vulnerable people so that they can stabilize their lives and build a better future. Thank you to the Comox Valley Transition Society and the City of Courtenay for working with us to build a healthier community for everyone.鈥�

Construction is expected to be complete in summer 2024. Comox Valley-based Muchalat Group is constructing the modular building, while Pacific Swell Developments Inc. is leading development work.

鈥淚t鈥檚 great to see construction starting on this much-needed housing,鈥� said Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells. 鈥淔uture residents will benefit from having stability and financial security, which is especially helpful for those who have had to rebuild their lives after past trauma or abuse. We鈥檙e really pleased to see this investment by the provincial government in housing for our community.鈥�