For Immediate Release
May 27, 2015

More Capital Region Housing Corporation Properties Transitioning to Smoke-free

Victoria, BC–- The Capital Region Housing Corporation (CRHC) Board announced that a further 21 properties will become smoke-free as part of the smoke-free transition strategy approved by the CRHC Board in 2014.

In 2006, the CRHC was approached by the Clean Air Coalition of BC and the Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health) to consider implementing a pilot project to convert some of the housing portfolios to smoke-free. 

 “The Capital Region Housing Corporation recognizes that the health of our tenants is of utmost importance,” says Johnny Carline, CRHC Director. “Wanting to ensure tenant input in the decision making process, the CRHC staff conducted a survey and 76.6% of respondents said they were supportive or strongly supportive of their properties becoming smoke-free.”

Since the pilot project was initiated in 2007, seven smoke-free complexes, totalling 262 units and representing 20% of our current housing stock have been transitioned.  By January 1, 2016 an additional 639 units will be transitioned to smoke-free bringing the total to 901 units representing 70% of the housing stock.  The communities where the majority responded in support of living in a smoke-free environment were identified as the first to transition to smoke-free and where the respondents were less in favour, those properties were identified not to transition at this time. The new policy will only apply to new tenants. All existing tenants will be ‘grandfathered’ during their length of tenancy and will continue to be allowed to smoke inside their rental unit, balconies and patios. 

For more information and a list of the properties that will be transitioning to smoke-free visit www.crd.bc.ca/crhc

Capital Region Housing Corporation (CRHC) is a non-profit provider of 1286 affordable rental units in the capital region of Victoria, BC.  CRHC provides low and moderate-income families with safe, suitable homes which remain affordable as their lives and families change and grow.  The Corporation is owned by the Capital Regional District, and is governed by a Board of Directors which includes members of the community and directors from the Capital Regional District Board.

-30-

For media inquiries, please contact:
Johnny Carline, CRHC Director
Capital Region Housing Corporation
Tel: 250.474.4601