For Sonya Devost, a long-term tenant of the Claymore apartments, the sight of a "For Sale" sign on her lawn brought intense anxiety and uncertainty, fueling fears of eviction and displacement from her community.
Housing Stability for Seniors
For Sonya Devost, a long-term tenant of the Claymore apartments, the appearance of a "For Sale" sign on her lawn was more than a signal of change—it was a source of deep anxiety. It meant the very real possibility of eviction and displacement from the community she called home. When the property in Langley was listed for sale in late 2023, it quickly drew interest from developers aiming to convert the building into strata condos. Had the sale gone through, 108 tenant households—including Sonya’s—would have been forced out, permanently eliminating yet another affordable rental housing option in Langley.
"When I first found out that the building was up for sale, panic-mode set in. That all of the buildings around us, people were getting evicted or they have to go find another apartment because the building's coming down." Sonya DeVost
For seniors like Sonya, displacement isn’t just disruptive—it’s life-altering. Across the province, thousands of seniors on fixed incomes live in older rental apartments, facing an uncertain future as redevelopment pressures mount. Losing their homes means more than losing a roof over their heads; it takes away their stability, independence, and access to the services they rely on. For many, the ability to walk or roll to nearby supports isn’t a convenience—it’s a necessity. When forced to leave, they are often left with no choice but to rely on already overstretched services just to meet their basic needs.
But thanks to New Vista’s acquisition, supported by the Rental Protection Fund, tenants like Sonya were able to stay in their homes, free from the fear of displacement. The Rental Protection Fund, in partnership with community housing providers like the New Vista Society, plays a crucial role in safeguarding housing for seniors who live independently but don’t always qualify for direct government assistance—the very people most at risk of slipping through the cracks.
"We've seen a huge amount of seniors in dire need for affordable housing. We've got people who have lived on their own, they don't have family nearby. We've seen rents in the Lower Mainland double. We've seen the cost of food go up by 20, sometimes 30%, everything's more expensive." - Darin Froese
Under New Vista’s stewardship, seniors like Sonya finally have the stability they need. No longer burdened by the anxiety of an uncertain future, they can focus on what truly matters—living with dignity and thriving in the place they call home.
Stories like Sonya’s are only possible through the dedication and collaboration of stakeholders, non-profits, and community partners. These organizations work tirelessly to support marginalized and vulnerable groups, and the Rental Protection Fund is proud to stand alongside them in the fight to protect and preserve affordability in our communities.