PAL CANADA

November 5, 2008  

Vancouver’s Performing Arts Lodge (PAL Vancouver), a $20.7 million 111-unit, mixed-income housing project in Coal Harbour for seniors and disabled persons in the professional performing arts, won a prestigious Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) award on Monday for best practices in affordable housing.

“This award recognizes the importance of bringing together creative, multi-sectoral partnerships to help finance these kinds of innovative affordable housing projects. I’m proud that the City was able to provide funding and a long-term lease that helped get this exemplary project off the ground,” said Mayor Sam Sullivan. The City of Vancouver contributed to the project through funding and a no-cost 60-year land lease, and the Province, through grants and assistance.  “This award is a tribute to the imagination, hard work, commitment and generosity of Vancouver’s performing arts community, and our many friends and supporters.  I was very moved to discover that the winning projects shared a common theme: that affordable housing is much more than floors, walls, heating and plumbing.  It is about building community, with the resulting restoration of hope, possibility, independence and above all dignity of those involved,” said Jane Heyman, PAL Vancouver co-founder and Board President. The CMHC Housing Awards are given out every two years to recognize outstanding accomplishments in furthering housing affordability in Canada. A guide on best practices in developing mixed use housing is being planned by award recipients. Amongst noteworthy features at PAL are a rooftop garden and multi-purpose theatre that provide a venue for residents’ creativity.  PAL’s Angels, volunteers from the performing arts community, give personal support services such as assistance with shopping, light housekeeping duties and companionship.  

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