The University of British Columbia Graduate Student Society (GSS) and Alma Mater Society (AMS) welcome BC Government’s announcement of $2 billion of investment for construction of affordable housing. The investment, administered by BC’s HousingHub in the form of low-interest loans to developers and community groups, will support construction of thousands of new homes across BC.
Since it was established in 2018, BC HousingHub has supported development of rental homes and affordable housing. This recent investment will allow HousingHub to invest in additional rental and affordable housing projects over the next decade.
Affordable housing continues to be a top priority for UBC students throughout the Lower Mainland. The announced investment brings forwards opportunities to fund the building of greater affordable rental housing options for students. The AMS and GSS look forward to working with government to identify opportunities to build affordable rental units for students across the province. We hope that this funding will allow student unions and post-secondary institutions across British Columbia to create more affordable housing for students.
UBC Alma Mater Society (AMS) and the UBC Graduate Student Society (UBC-GSS) represent over 60,000 undergraduate and graduate students at University of British Columbia Vancouver.
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“Housing affordability has been a great concern for people across the province but particularly for our student groups who have to bear the burden of paying tuition on top of skyrocketing rental costs. This investment provides an opportunity to build greater affordable rental units for students who live off-campus and we look forward to working with the BC Government to address housing affordability for students.”
Alireza Kamyabi, Vice-President External Relations, UBC Graduate Student Society
“The lack of affordable housing has been a significant stressor for students in the region, especially during the ongoing pandemic. These crucial investments made by our government is a great step towards making affordable housing more available and accessible to British Columbian students.”
Kalith Nanayakkara, Vice-President External Affairs, UBC Alma Mater Society