Skwach脿ys Healing Lodge has officially opened to provide affordable housing for those who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, as well as healing lodge apartments for Aboriginal individuals travelling to Vancouver for medical treatment.

"The province is working in partnership with other levels of government and communities to help end homelessness and to create housing that helps people move off the streets permanently," said Rich Coleman, British Columbia's Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Housing.

"This new building is now a safe home for 24 individuals and will provide interim housing for people seeking medical treatment."

The recently completed housing development provides 24 affordable housing apartments for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The building also provides 18 healing lodge apartments for Aboriginal individuals and their immediate family who need to travel to Vancouver from rural and remote communities for medical services.

Funding for Skwach脿ys Healing Lodge comes from a variety of sources. Federal funding includes $2.7 million under the 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 provided a $4.32 million grant, as well as land equity valued at approximately $2.8 million.

The City of Vancouver provided $490,000 and has waived development cost charges valued at approximately $156,000. Vancouver Native Housing Society is fundraising and contributing in kind funds of $261,000 and will be financing the remaining capital budget.

Vancouver Native Housing Society manages and operates Skwach脿ys Healing Lodge and the adjacent site located at 27 West Pender St., which provides 98 affordable apartments. 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.

Canada's Economic Action Plan 2012 focuses on creating new opportunities for jobs and growth, and securing long-term prosperity for Canadians. Investing in public infrastructure is an important part of this strategy. Canada has been a leader among G-7 countries throughout the recovery with more than 750,000 net new jobs created since July 2009.

To learn more about the Economic Action Plan 2012, visit: www.budget.gc.ca.