Seniors and people with disabilities in Lake Country now have better access to affordable housing at Pinewood Villas, a new 10-unit modular housing facility funded by the provincial and federal governments along with community partners.
"This project is a great example of what we strive for," said Kelowna-Lake Country MP Ron Cannan.
"All levels of government working together with a wonderful not-for-profit organization to provide quality, affordable and accessible housing for people to live in a safe and friendly community environment."
Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick said affordable housing for seniors is a priority for the provincial government.
"With the opening of Pinewood Villas, seniors now have increased affordable housing options that
are specifically designed for their needs right here in Lake Country."
Through an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement, the federal and provincial governments contributed about $1.4 million for the construction of seniors' rental housing apartments.
The Society of HOPE manages and operates the Pinewood building. The society is a non-profit organization that provided affordable housing to low-income residents in the Central Okanagan since 1989.
"We strongly believe in providing seniors with an array of housing options that are safe and affordable," said Lorne Gerber, president of the Society of Hope.
"Pinewood Villas is a true testament to this. I would like to thank all partners involved in making this project a reality."
Pinewood Villas, located at 10274 Bottom Wood Lake Rd., is a seniors' rental housing development that provides 10 units of affordable modular housing for seniors and people with disabilities.
Modular housing has been used extensively for seniors' rental housing developments as it allows construction to take place in a factory with less dependence on weather conditions.
The modular units meet EnerGuide 80 standards and are designed to be easily accessible for seniors and people with disabilities.
This includes room sizes that allow for wheelchair access and manoeuvring, shelves and light switches at an accessible height and bathroom grab bars or step-in showers.
The Seniors' Rental Housing Initiative was a result of a $365-million joint investment under an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement.
This initiative, first announced by the two levels of government on April 8, 2009, provided $123.6 million, including $104 million for seniors and $19.6 million for persons with disabilities, to develop about 1,300 new affordable rental housing units