New Supportive Housing for Seniors

WILLIAMS LAKE, September 17, 2004 — Seniors in the Cariboo with low incomes have more housing options with the opening today of 34 units of new supportive seniors housing. This multi-partnership initiative is made possible with contributions from the federal and provincial governments, under the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement, as well as the City of Williams Lake and the Cariboo Park Home Society.

"Seniors will to be able to live with more independence in their community in this project," said the Honourable Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing. "Thanks to co-operative efforts between the various levels of government and the local partners, and the ongoing hard work of the seniors, this project was made possible."

The development, Glen Arbor, is operated by the Cariboo Park Home Society and offers apartments adaptable for seniors with wheelchairs and walkers. Tenants pay 30 per cent of their annual income for their units and can also opt for additional services such as meals and recreational opportunities as needed.

"Seniors have told us they want to live in an environment that balances their desire for independence and privacy with ready access to support and personal care services," said Cariboo-South MLA Walter Cobb. "Glen Arbor will provide quality, affordable housing and personal care to help seniors maintain their independence as they age."

"The City of Williams Lake is proud to be a partner in this wonderful new facility," said Rick Gibson, Mayor of Williams Lake. "Glen Arbor is a fine housing development and Council is thrilled that the opportunity for supportive housing is now available to our residents. It is our senior population who built this city into the vibrant community it is today, and this project symbolizes our appreciation for their commitment to this community over the years."

Cariboo Park Home Society was formed in December 1999 to establish, own and manage an affordable housing project for senior citizens in Williams Lake.

"For Cariboo Park Home Society, Glen Arbor represents over five years of team work, determination and courage. It is the seniors themselves who we know who taught us to stay the course, doing it with joy and compassion," says Maureen Tickner, the society's president.

Under the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement, the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), will contribute $88.7 million over five years towards affordable housing in this province. The provincial government, through BC Housing, will provide $29.7 million annually to subsidize the costs of units built under this agreement, as part of a larger strategy to provide a range of housing options for British Columbians most in need . Under the Agreement, funding is provided to three program streams: the Provincial Housing Program; the Independent Living BC Program; and Community Partnership Initiatives. To date, 1,517 units have been completed, 555 units are in development and up to 2,300 additional units will receive funding.

This news release is available at http://www.bchousing.org online.

Contact:

Naomi Brunemeyer
BC Housing
604 209-0013

Jim Fraser
Cariboo Park Home Society
250 392-4829

Geoff Butchart
CMHC
250 613-6130

Mayor Rick Gibson
City of Williams Lake
250-392-1776

Opening Ceremony - Jim Fraser, Board of Directors, Cariboo Park Home Society addresses crowd at Opening Ceremony for Glen Arbor.

Plaque Presentation - Geoff Butchart, CMHC, and MLA Walt Cobb, present plaque to LuLu Forseille, Director, Cariboo Park Home Society.

Glen Arbor Outside - 34 units of Supportive Seniors Housing

Backgrounder: Glen Arbor

Location: 564 Oliver Street, Williams Lake

Number of new units: 34 one-bedroom units of supportive seniors housing.

All units are wheelchair accessible; two units are fully accessible. The development is downtown and close to all amenities. A common activity room and kitchen are part of the development, as is an assisted bathing room which will be made available to other Williams Lake seniors living at home but who are in need of specialized equipment.

Tenants pay 30 per cent of their income for their housing. Additional services to be offered are still under consideration.

The name, Glen Arbor, was chosen from 100 entries to a community contest.

Volunteers from the Communities in Bloom group have created a heritage garden at Glen Arbor.

Volunteers from Day Break Rotary built a wishing well on the property of Glen Arbor in celebration of the Rotary International Centennial.

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch donated the flagpole for Glen Arbor.

Partnership Contributions

The capital cost of the development is $3.7 million.

• The provincial government, through BC Housing, provided the land, worth $370,000, interim construction financing, and an annual operating subsidy of $4.8 million over 35 years.
  
• The federal government, through the Canada-BC Affordable Housing Agreement, is providing a $1.02 million grant.
  
• The City of Williams Lake provided a grant of $70,000.
  
• The Cariboo Park Home Society raised over $300,000 in private donations including substantial amounts from the Kiwanis Club, the Real Estate Foundation, many local businesses and individuals, all the local mills, trucking associations and service clubs.