Seniors and people with disabilities now have increased access to affordable housing with support services thanks to the Lake Country Senior Housing Society accepting an offer to purchase four apartments in an existing condominium building in Lake Country.
The B.C. government arranged $752,863 in long-term financing while the Lake Country Senior Housing Society provided $40,000 towards the purchase of the four, two-bedroom apartments located on Beaver Lake Road.
“It’s wonderful to see the purchase of these apartments move forward for the Lake Country Senior Housing Society,” said Lake Country Coun. Owen Dickie. “I would like to commend the society for their hard work and effort in ensuring that Lake Country seniors will continue to have greater access to quality, affordable housing in this community.”
The buildings will be managed and operated by the Lake Country Senior Housing Society. In addition to a meal plan and basic cleaning support, residents of the apartments will also receive access to social and recreational programs offered at Blue Heron Villa—an assisted living complex for seniors located next door, which is also operated by the society.
Bill Clark, president of the Lake Country Senior Housing Society, said this will address some of the needs in the community
“Our society found that there is a need for more two-bedroom rental accommodations for seniors in our community, and we aimed to address it,” said Clark. “We are delighted to announce the purchase completion of four apartments in the Brookstone building, located directly across from our Blue Heron Complex, to help fulfill this demand.”
Established in 1998, the Lake Country Senior Housing Society is a not-for-profit, charitable society dedicated to providing quality, affordable housing combined with the highest standards of support services and care to the senior population in need.
In 2011-12, the province invested approximately $894,000 to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for 152 households in Lake Country.
“Our government is proud to have partnered with the Lake Country Senior Housing Society to help realize their vision,” said Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick. “The purchase of these four units is a cost-effective opportunity to create more affordable housing in Lake Country.
“With about 1,000 places in the Kelowna area, this allows seniors to age in place in their home communities near family and friends,” Letnick said.
Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $3.2 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families. This year, more than 97,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.