In tough times, even the unthinkable can get done.

Monday’s announcement of the Hudson Mews, 120 units for sale and for rent in downtown Victoria, should be seen as a major accomplishment on a number of levels.

First of all because of its intricate partnership: The province, the city, BC Housing, the developer and a soon-to-be-announced non profit; this is no easy task getting all the parties on the same wavelength.

Second because of the timing: It would be way too easy to say times are tough, so any social project is destined to be scrapped. Again, to the credit of the city, province and the developer, all three banded together to pull this thing off; remarkable when a lot of projects have been put on hold or hiatus because of economic conditions.

Third because of the promise of more rental stock: There have been very few rentals made available over the past two decades. While the rental stock has plummeted, people have been left to rent illegal suites, which mercifully are now becoming legitimized.

Lastly, more homes are being made available at affordable prices. True, landing one of these units will be a bit like a lottery win, considering how many people could genuinely say they haven’t the economic means to pay true market for such an upscale address, it is a strong move to say we need to invest in reasonably priced accommodation and not forever be dictated by “market forces”.

Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin should be congratulated, as too should Rich Coleman, Minister of Housing and Social Development. Despite their differing political stripes, the two have made it a regular occurrence to focus on the bigger picture and do what is best for the community.

It would be easy enough to criticize, saying enough isn’t being done. Today, we should congratulate everyone involved and hope this serves as a legacy or template for future projects.