On July 1st, a brand new affordable and accessible housing development in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood is opening its door to tenants. Named after an old sprawling linden tree on the property, Linden Tree Place has a total of 30 units, including ten which are fully accessible.
Built as a partnership between Kitsilano Neighourhood House, The BCPA Housing Society and BC Housing, the building was specially designed for older adults who are able to live independently and who are willing to volunteer in the community at least four to five hours a month on behalf of Kitsilano Neighborhood House, which operates the building.
“Access to accessible accommodation has been a priority for British Columbians with spinal cord injury or related physical disabilities since Spinal Cord Injury BC began providing services 54 years ago,” says Chris McBride, the executive director of SCI BC.
The president of the BCPA Housing Society, Melanie Crombie volunteered her design expertise throughout the project’s development. “This place wouldn’t be standing if it weren’t for the incredible work of Integra Architecture, CPA Development Consultants and ITC,” says Crombie, noting the building had to be completely redesigned once to meet final city approval.
SCI BC’s Peer Coordinator, Brad Jacobsen, visited the building on June 27th. “I’m really impressed,” said Jacobsen, after seeing the rooftop garden, “It’s definitely one of the nicest accessible buildings I’ve seen. It is a wonderful home for anyone fortunate to get a flat in there.”
As of July 27th, there were still six accessible apartments available.
The Kits House is urgently looking for tenants in need of accessible housing to apply to move in as soon as possible. To be eligible to apply, candidates must:
- Be a mature adult (best if over 30 years old – but no families with children living at home)
- Have a spinal cord injury or related physical disability.
- Meet the income criteria: must earn no more than $39K for the 1-bedroom units and no more than $45K for the 2-bedroom units.
- Be currently living in Metro Vancouver.
To see more photos of the building, including shots of its rooftop garden, accessible kitchens and rooms, visit click here to see the photo album on Facebook.
If you’d like to apply to live in this building, the first step is to fill out BC Housing’s Housing Registry Application form available here.
Make sure to use the Linden Tree Place code: 177
Send or drop off your application at the BC Housing Home Office:
BC Housing Home Office, Suite 101 – 4555 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 4V8Once BC Housing has reviewed your application to ensure you meet their criteria, your application will be forwarded to Kitsilano Neighbourhood House.
For more information about living at Linden Tree Place, contact Nikki Wrankmare, the site support worker: 604-736-3588 or via email: nikki@kitshouse.org
The building is located on the corner of 8th avenue and Vine street.
