Breaking Ground for Stable Housing
On September 14, 2022, YWCA Metro Vancouver and Qualex-Landmark Orchard Limited Partnership broke ground on a new housing community in Burnaby on Grange Street. These 32 new two- and three-bedroom units will provide much-needed homes to help address the region’s housing supply shortage.
It was a warm and cloudless day, boding well for this exciting project. Alroy Baker, Squamish Elder and language teacher, opened the event with a blessing and acknowledgement of our presence on the ancestral and unceded homelands of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking peoples.
Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley and several city councillors also attended, as did representatives from Qualex-Landmark, Axiom Builders, architect firm RWA Group and Canadian Western Bank; donors and community members completed the audience.
This new YWCA housing community will offer residents a safe home in an excellent location close to Metrotown, grocery stores, a library, Central Park and transit. Amenities will include a children’s play area and both indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, plus many other amenities. Residents will also have access to YWCA resources such as an onsite community development coordinator, child care, legal education and employment services.
“Many women tell us that it is the community they build and not just the affordability of YWCA housing that makes a difference to their families,” said YWCA CEO Erin Seeley. “We look forward to watching a community grow here.”
Fundraising is underway, with 55% of our $11.7M goal raised. We are very grateful to our community of donors who are helping make this vision a reality.
The YWCA is actively seeking donors to raise the remaining $5.27M. Should you be interested in making a donation or becoming a lead donor who could name this new housing project, please contact Bobbi Sarai Tanguay at bsarai@ywcavan.org | 604 895 5780.
A Long-Awaited Opening!
After several pandemic-related delays, we were thrilled to host the official opening of YWCA May Brown Place in late September. Guests gathered on the rooftop terrace to take in the incredible views of North Vancouver and, despite some surprise rain, the mood was cheerful and bright.
We were happy to host several members of May Brown’s family to share memories of her legacy. A strong supporter of women in government, May Brown actively mentored women seeking public office until she died in 2019. She was a City of Vancouver councillor, Park Board member and early promoter of women athletes in BC. May was involved with the YWCA for more than 80 years and we were delighted when May’s family graciously agreed to have her as the community’s namesake.
We thank BC Housing and the generous donors who made this housing community a reality.
The YWCA is committed to building and operating safe, affordable housing communities across Metro Vancouver for single mothers and their children. For more information, please contact Brenda Ulmer at bulmer@ywcavan.org | 604 895 5764.
