Photo: CTV

The federal government says it's investing an additional $150 million over the next two years to help British Columbia residents get affordable housing.

Jean-Yves Duclos, federal minister of families, children and social development, made the announcement in Vancouver on Sunday with B.C. housing minister Rich Coleman.

Duclos says the new funding includes $25.2 million for construction and repair of affordable housing for seniors and $10.9 million for the construction and renovation of shelters and transition houses for domestic violence victims.

He says it also includes $50.9 million to address the increasing demand for repairs as social housing units age and to improve efficiency and reduce energy and water use.

Coleman says the B.C. government will be working with communities throughout the province to identify specific housing needs and determine where the additional funding will be distributed.

The funding announced Sunday is in addition to the $63 million joint annual funding provided by the federal and B.C. governments under the Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement.