Minister’s statement on March 2026 housing highlights

Press Release

April 10, 2026

VICTORIA – Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, has released the following statement on government’s housing highlights for March 2026:

“In the month of March, our government through BC Housing funded and opened 384 new homes that welcomed their new tenants, from working families, people with disabilities, to First Nations elders and people experiencing homelessness.

“In addition to opening new homes, together with the federal government, we broke ground on 27 secure rental homes in Fernie, a project that will also feature an on-site child care facility with space for 98 children through the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund.

“We held an open house in March for recovery-oriented housing opening in downtown Victoria at Johnson Manor in partnership with the City of Victoria. The recovery-oriented housing will include 20 self-contained units in substance-free surroundings for people who have completed early-stage recovery and are ready to prepare for independent living. This means they are a minimum 60 days sober, post-detox and treatment, and without a fixed address or leaving supportive housing.

“During March, the Province and the City of Vancouver signed an agreement to replace three single-room occupancy sites in the Granville Entertainment District (GED) with approximately 280 purpose-built supportive housing self-contained units outside of the GED.

“Capital investment in housing remains at historic levels, and we are continuing to invest heavily in new housing and increasing funding for existing housing operations. In fact, Budget 2026 housing investments are nearly five times what they were in 2016, demonstrating our continued commitment to delivering the homes people need. Since 2017, the Province has more than 95,000 homes delivered or underway through B.C.”

Two backgrounders follow.

Contact:

Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs
Media Relations
hmamedia@gov.bc.ca
236-475-4435

BACKGROUNDER 1

Facts about housing and the people supported in March 2026

Types of housing:

• Indigenous housing: 40 new units open
• Affordable rental housing: 296 new units open
• Supportive housing: 48 new units open

People supported:

• First Nations elders, youth and families
• Seniors
• Local employers who have workers in key sectors, such as health care, education, port operations and logistics
• People with disabilities
• Workers, families with middle incomes
• People experiencing or at risk of homelessness

Contact:
Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs
Media Relations
hmamedia@gov.bc.ca
236-475-4435

BACKGROUNDER 2

Highlights of some housing projects opened in March 2026Pitt Meadows
Delivering homes with supports for Katzie First Nation
Forty new affordable, supportive homes are now open in Pitt Meadows: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026HMA0024-000303

• Homes built in partnership with Katzie First Nation are open for Elders, youth and families.
• On-site, culturally grounded supports will help people access care close to home​.

​Bowser
Opening 22 new affordable rental homes in Bowser
Helping seniors age in place in independent living rentals: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026HMA0026-000310

• Seniors are moving into 22 new affordable rental homes in Bowser.
• Lighthouse Villa is providing seniors with affordable, stable housing in their community.​

Prince Rupert
Opening 40 new homes in Prince Rupert
New below-market rentals open for workers through BC Builds: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026HMA0027-000319

• Forty new rental homes delivered through BC Builds are open at 511 W. 9th Ave.
• Homes were delivered quicker using modular construction methods and exceeded affordability targets.
• The development supports local employers in key sectors, such as health care, education, port operations and logistics.

Richmond
Opening more affordable homes in Richmond
New rental building expands housing options for families, seniors, people with disabilities: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026HMA0020-000231

• Rio Vista, an 80-unit affordable rental building, is opening in Richmond close to neighbourhood amenities.
• Homes support individuals, seniors and families with low to moderate incomes, including people living with disabilities and mental-health challenges.
• Homes were delivered in partnership with the City of Richmond and Pathways Clubhouse Society.
• The Province, through BC Housing, supported this project with approximately $9 million in grant funding through the Community Housing Fund.

​West Vancouver
Opening more homes in West Vancouver
Two new rental buildings expand housing options for workers, families with middle incomes: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026HMA0028-000325

• Kiwanis Village West has opened in West Vancouver, delivering 156 new rental homes.
• The project expands below-market housing options for local workers and families.
• The development includes space for an adult day centre operated by Vancouver Coastal Health.
• The multi‑building project was delivered in partnership with the federal government, the City of West Vancouver, Vancouver Coastal Health and Kiwanis North Shore Housing Society​.

​Duncan
Opening new supportive housing in Duncan
48 new homes ready for people experiencing homelessness in the Cowichan Valley: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026HMA0023-000268

• New supportive homes are opening for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Duncan and North Cowichan.
• The new homes are for people of all genders older than 19.
• The building will be operated by Connective with staff on site 24/7.

Contact:
Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs
Media Relations
hmamedia@gov.bc.ca
236-475-4435

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