$12.2-million Aboriginal Housing in Vancouver

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June 3, 2011

Ministry of Energy and Mines
(Minister Responsible for Housing)
Infrastructure Canada, City of Vancouver

Aboriginal supportive housing underway in Vancouver

VANCOUVER - Construction is underway on a new $12.2-million housing
development in downtown Vancouver that will offer safe, affordable housing
with support services for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
and for Aboriginal people who travel to the city for medical treatment.

"Our Government is pleased to partner with the Province of British Columbia
and the City of Vancouver on this important project that will have a profound
impact on the Aboriginal community in Vancouver," said the Honourable Denis
Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. "This project is
creating jobs and boosting our economy, while improving the quality of life
for British Columbia residents."

"To help end homelessness we are creating housing that includes the supports
people need to regain their independence," said Rich Coleman, British
Columbia's Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Housing.
"This approach has made a difference, and we owe much of our success to strong
partnerships with other levels of government and community organizations. This
development will be welcomed by the community and to those who will call it
home."

The building at 31 W. Pender is on the site of the former Pender Hotel, one of
24 Single Room Occupancy hotels the Province purchased in Vancouver to
preserve existing housing stock. The hotel was demolished with care to
preserve the heritage façade of the original building, which will be
incorporated into the new design.

In addition to 24 apartments of supportive housing, the development will
contain 13 Healing Lodge apartments, providing 20 beds, designed for
Aboriginal people who live in rural and remote communities who must travel to
Vancouver for medical services. The building will have a commercial kitchen,
an art gallery and a basement workshop as well as culturally-appropriate
services, such as a Sweat Lodge and Smudge Room.

"In the last few years, we've made significant progress in helping people on
the street find homes and rebuild their lives, whether it is through shelters,
transition housing, or supportive housing," said Mayor of the City of
Vancouver Gregor Robertson. "This new project builds on our success, and moves
us closer to not just ending street homelessness by 2015, but ensuring that
everyone in Vancouver has a home."

Once complete, the building will be managed and operated by the Vancouver
Native Housing Society, who also own and operate the adjacent site. For 20
years the society has been dedicated to providing housing for the urban
Aboriginal community. They also provide programs that enrich the lives of
their tenants and others in the community.

"We look forward to opening this new building as it will be a beacon in the
city for those seeking healing and transformation," said David Eddy, CEO of
the Vancouver Native Housing Society. "Architecturally we believe it will be a
landmark structure, marrying Victorian and Aboriginal culture and heritage -
recognizing the Victorian style of the original building while making a unique
statement of the value and import of the first peoples that have inhabited
this area for millennia. It will not only provide appropriate housing and
services to those without a home, but it will also provide affordable housing
for Aboriginal people travelling to Vancouver for healthcare during a time
when they may be vulnerable and in need of support and a connection to their
culture. My thanks to our partners at all levels of government for helping us
make this happen."

The Government of Canada has committed $3.5 million through Infrastructure
Canada's Infrastructure Stimulus Fund as well as $451,500 through the Building
Communities through Arts and Heritage Program of the Department of Canadian
Heritage.

The Province will provide a $4-million provincial infrastructure grant as well
as land equity valued at approximately $2.8 million for the development.

The City of Vancouver will waive development cost charges valued at
approximately $156,000. The remaining funds, approximately $1.3 million, will
be financed.

As part of the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the $4-billion
Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is providing funding to more than 4,100
infrastructure projects across the country. Since March 2009, a total federal
investment of over $505.6 million has been committed to well over 400 projects
under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund across British Columbia.

Over the last decade, the Province has invested $2.8 billion to provide
affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families. This
year, more than 93,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social
housing programs and services.

* For further information on the Government of Canada's infrastructure
investments in British Columbia, visit: www.creatingjobs.gc.ca

* To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit:
www.actionplan.gc.ca

* For information on provincial housing programs:
www.bchousing.org/Initiatives/Creating/PHI

Contacts:

Vanessa Schneider
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613 991-0700

Infrastructure Canada
613 948-1148
Toll free: 1 877 250-7154

Michelle Frilund
BC Housing
604-456-8895
604 318-4419 cell

City of Vancouver
Corporate Communications
604 871-6336
media@vancouver.ca