City supports proposed seniors' complex with DCC Waiver
March 4, 2022
Fort St. John City Council recently approved a Development Cost Charges (DCCs) waiver, for $754,348, for the proposed 116-unit below market seniors’ apartment complex at 10763 86 Street, subject to the completion of a housing agreement.
The proposed seniors’ complex by VRS Communities Society and Peace Holdings Inc., located just south of the Fort St. John Hospital and Peace Villa, will feature studio, one- and two-bedroom units designed for age-in-place, affordability and accessibility.
“This is a significant investment that supports a non-profit housing society in addressing the tremendous need for affordable seniors housing units in our community. Council, through the Official Community Plan, the 2018 – 2023 Strategic Plan and the recently completed Housing Strategy, are committed to ensuring sufficient affordable housing opportunities through partnerships with other levels of government, community and non-profit housing organizations, and developers,” stated Mayor Lori Ackerman.
In the City of Fort St. John, Development Cost Charges are a one-time charge levied to a property to assist funding capital costs of providing, constructing, altering or expanding water, sewer, drainage, roads and parks to service, directly or indirectly, the development for which the charge is being imposed.
"The relaxation of Fort St. John's DCCs establishes a critical ‘community partnership’ with VRS Communities in support of non-profit funding sources at CMHC and BC Housing. Project financing would not have been possible without the support of Fort St. John through means of a DCC Waiver. VRS Communities has an established position in the province and a strategic vision making possible the means to deliver services at an efficient cost to those requiring affordable and accessible housing. The non-profit organizations 48 years of experience in the delivery of service to seniors and persons with disabilities, requiring various levels of housing and support, places VRS at the forefront and as a leader and provider of affordable and accessible housing," said Brad Tone, Director of Development for VRS Communities Society.
To learn more about the Harlequin at Prairie Rose Park development, visit harlequinfortstjohn.com.
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