Horizon North Logistics : Modular Built Units Provide Affordable Living for Vulnerable Citizens

Across Canada, all levels of government are seeking innovative ways to provide housing options that can address the growing issue of homelessness. In a 2016 report on the State of Homelessness in Canada, it was estimated that at least 235,000 Canadians experience homelessness in a year and 35,000 are homeless on a given night. A 2013 Ipsos Reid poll pointed to as many as 1.3 million Canadians having experienced homelessness or insecure housing over the previous five years.

It is often in Canada's biggest cities where vulnerability to homelessness is most apparent. In 2016, Vancouver was estimated to have nearly 1,850 homeless individuals, more than 500 of whom were unsheltered, in large part because of exponential increases in the cost of renting or purchasing a home. In 2017, the Government of British Columbia announced a funding commitment of $66 million towards 600 units of temporary modular housing in Vancouver, to be developed through the Vancouver Affordable Housing Agency (VAHA).

One of the most recent buildings to open is M. Mitchell Place at 2132 Ash Street. The rapid response, 52-unit structure was designed, manufactured and installed by Horizon North. Our design team began their work in early 2018, with manufacturing beginning in Q2. On September 7, 2018, the building held its grand opening event.

To date, approximately 550 temporary modular homes across nine VAHA projects are either complete or in development stages in Vancouver. These buildings place people who are homeless in Vancouver directly into supportive housing until they can transition to longer-term solutions. Each new building showcases Horizon North's full turn-key modular construction offering and the work of our talented team.

For developers providing affordable housing options, modular construction is an ideal fit because it quickly delivers permanent or temporary solutions. The ability to provide a home for individuals and families 30 to 50 per cent faster than conventional site construction is a critical tool in the pursuit to end homelessness and support other vulnerable populations, as well as in the mission of many other organizations to provide diverse living options for Canadians.

Contact

Are you considering an affordable housing project? Our sales team would enjoy an opportunity to tell you about our process and why organizations like the Vancouver Affordable Housing Agency and BC Housing have chosen Horizon North as one of their development partners. Email [e-mail] and a team member will reach out to you as soon as possible.

The Facts

• Design started in early 2018; manufacturing started in Q2 in Horizon North's indoor manufacturing facility in Kamloops, British Columbia
• Installation of modules began on June 20, 2018; craning took three days for all 36 modules
• Building transferred to care, custody and control of the client on August 29, 2018
• 52 units (approx. 320 sq ft)
• Six wheelchair accessible units with slightly larger square footage
• Each unit includes kitchenette, bathroom, living/sleeping area, and individual heating
• Amenity space with commercial kitchen to encourage social interaction, plus common laundry facilities, administration office and meeting rooms for resident support

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