The most affordable housing we have is the housing we’ve already got. By supporting renewal and retrofits, the Fund not only retains this housing but lowers the cost to operate and extend its viable life.
Repair & Renewal of Affordable Housing
Preserving affordability is only part of the Rental Protection Fund’s purpose—ensuring that affordable homes remain safe, sustainable, and livable for decades to come is just as critical. Through the Rental Protection Fund, non-profit housing providers across British Columbia are not only preventing displacement, but breathing new life into aging buildings through essential repairs, capital improvements, and long-overdue maintenance.
Over $3.3 million in capital improvements are already completed or underway across all properties. These efforts have prioritized balcony replacements and stucco repairs, to high-priority tenant safety concerns such as fire safety systems, hazardous material assessments, and mold remediation—enhancing both quality of life and long-term sustainability for tenants. The Rental Protection Fund supports critical building upgrades through a Renewal Grant program, providing increased stability for non-profits as they incorporate new properties into their portfolios. Of all capital projects that non-profits have completed to-date, 62% have been delivered at or under budget, demonstrating the project delivery capacity of these organizations.
Here are some of the impact projects that non-profits are delivering across B.C.:
Addressing Critical Infrastructure: Connective in Duncan
At Woodland Gardens in Duncan, some of the most persistent frustrations for tenants weren’t always visible—but they were deeply felt. Unreliable hot water, and frequent water shutdowns were a disruption, leaving residents uncertain about whether they could count on basic necessities in their own homes.
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When Connective acquired the property, these long-standing issues were immediately addressed. Leaks were permanently repaired, bringing an end to ongoing water damage concerns. Hot water became stable and reliable, eliminating the constant worry of unexpected shutdowns. For tenants, the difference was transformative.
"No more water shutdowns! And the hot water is much more reliable!" shared one resident at Woodland Gardens. "It’s so nice knowing that Connective cares about our living conditions AND is keeping our rent affordable! Many have told me they feel so comfortable and happy with the new changes. Thank you so much!"
By tackling critical infrastructure improvements, Connective isn’t just fixing buildings, they are ensuring stability, comfort, and peace of mind for the residents who call Woodland Gardens home.
Enhancing Accessibility and Safety: Catalyst Community Developments
At Parkwood Gardens in Burnaby, Catalyst Community Developments saw an opportunity to address accessibility challenges in real time.
Shortly after acquiring the building, Catalyst’s property management team learned that a young child who uses a wheelchair lived in a unit that was only accessible via stairs. Every day, the child’s family had to carry them up and down the stairs, then return for the wheelchair.
Recognizing the urgent need for change, Catalyst modified its capital improvement plan to include a wheelchair ramp—a simple yet transformative addition that dramatically improves the family’s quality of life.
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Alongside this, Catalyst is replacing ageing exterior staircases, which had become unsafe due to rust and warped wood.
By prioritizing accessibility and safety, Catalyst is demonstrating that affordable housing can—and should—be inclusive for all.
Rebuilding Trust, Restoring Homes: CMHA Vernon & District
At Sunrise Gardens in Vernon, years of poor maintenance and neglect had left the building in a state of disrepair. Infrastructure was crumbling, individual units had been left unchecked, and residents' concerns had not gone unheard.
When CMHA Vernon & District acquired the property, they took immediate action. A senior tenant living in unsafe conditions was quickly transferred to a better unit. Pest infestations were finally addressed, bringing relief to residents who had endured them for years. Targeted repairs began on both individual units and common spaces, demonstrating a clear commitment to improving living conditions, not just managing a building.
For the first time in years, tenants saw real, visible change.
“I'm quite happy, it sounds like they are going to make quite a bit of improvements and changes," shared a resident of Sunrise Gardens.
With a multi-year financial plan in place, CMHA is taking a thoughtful, strategic approach to renewal—ensuring that necessary improvements are made without unnecessary disruption to tenants. More than just restoring the building, they are restoring trust, and a renewed sense of stability for the people who call Sunrise Gardens home.
Investing in the Future of Affordable Housing
Across British Columbia, non-profits are taking swift action to stabilize, repair, and enhance their newly acquired buildings, ensuring that affordable housing remains resilient and long-lasting. As more capital projects unfold, the full impact of these investments will continue to grow—demonstrating that affordable housing is not just about affordability, but also about dignity, quality, and sustainability.
Through strategic reinvestment and community-driven stewardship, non-profits across BC are proving that when we protect affordable housing, we’re not just preserving homes—we’re transforming lives.
