A new Vancouver affordable rental project in the Fairview neighbourhood has been approved by city council. The two-building project, known as Heather Place, will include 230 affordable rental units, of which 52 (23 per cent) will have subsidized rents.

The project will have 118 units with two- and three-bedroom configurations, designed for families. Five per cent of the units will be designed for residents living with disabilities. Building amenities will include a gym, kitchen, multi-purpose indoor amenity space and a skills-developing outdoor playground.

“Over half of all Vancouver residents rent their homes, and this project will provide urgently-needed new affordable rental housing in a way that supports families, fits with the neighbourhood, and protects current renters on site,” says Mayor Gregor Robertson. “This project builds on two consecutive record years for new rental housing in Vancouver, and reflects City Hall’s commitment to making our city more affordable for residents of all backgrounds — especially seniors, students and young families.”

The new buildings will replace an existing 86-unit townhouse development, also known as Heather Place, which was built in 1983.