The outgoing B.C. government plans to develop hundreds of new homes in a multi-family rental project near a future hospital in Surrey’s Cloverdale area.

Plans for the multi-residential development have yet to be finalized. Premier David Eby’s government announced the project shortly before the start of the provincial election campaign that is now underway.

If the NDP returns to office, the government will formally begin the effort to develop the project through its $950-million BC Builds program, which aims to construct 8,000 to 10,000 new homes for middle-income earners.

Under BC Builds, the province provides low-interest repayable construction loans financing to speed up project timelines in partnership with other governments, private landowners and community groups.

“It’s the first time the province [will have] built housing on the site of a brand new hospital,” said Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon in an interview.

He said the province intends to develop a few hundred residential units there.

The province plans to hold on open bidding process for the multi-residential project through BC Builds following the election, presuming that the NDP remains in office.

The future hospital is under construction. The province hopes the project will help attract future employees for the healthcare facility.

“We’re going to need 1,500 people working there,” said Kahlon.

(Photo: Government of B.C.)