Nearly 50 affordable homes for seniors, Indigenous Elders coming to Port Alberni
Dozens of affordable rental homes reserved for seniors and Indigenous Elders are currently under construction in Port Alberni, the province announced Tuesday.
In total, 48 homes for seniors with low to moderate incomes will be built in a five-storey building at 6151 Russell Pl., beside the Tsawaayuus-Rainbow Gardens assisted living facility.
The building will include 45 one-bedroom units and three two-bedroom homes, according to the province. The property will also have on-site laundry rooms, accessible washrooms, a community garden and other amenity rooms.
"These new homes will help seniors and Indigenous Elders in Port Alberni remain in the community they helped build, where their families and friends surround them," said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim, on behalf of the Housing Ministry on Tuesday.
The new rental building is located on Westcoast Native Healthcare Society lands, and the society will own and operate the property.
"The Westcoast Native Healthcare Society is committed to providing services to seniors in the Alberni Valley and surrounding communities," said Darleen Watts, board president of the WNHS. "This apartment complex will provide safe, affordable housing for seniors."
The province has committed $5 million for construction of the project, and will provide a $302,335 operating subsidy each year moving forward.
The building is expected to open to tenants in summer 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton to remain in medically induced coma until later this week: police
Serial killer Robert Pickton will remain in a medically induced coma for at least the next few days following an attack in a Quebec prison Sunday, according to police spokesperson Hugues Beaulieu.
Charlie Colin, founding member of the pop-rock band Train, dies at 58
Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, best known for their early-aughts hits like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Meet Virginia,' has died. He was 58.
'Five feet nothing': Pickton's safety likely behind Quebec transfer, says ex-prison judge
When serial killer Robert Pickton was transferred from British Columbia's Kent Institution to a maximum security prison in Quebec about six years ago, correctional authorities gave no public explanation or confirmation at the time, citing privacy.
'I feel betrayed': Ottawa-area customers out thousands of dollars warn of bad faith contractor
A group of people from eastern Ontario and western Quebec is issuing a warning about Dennis Walker and his company Vue Windows.
Fancy pigeon outfitted in custom diaper has free rein in B.C. family home
When Chrissy Chin volunteered to take in a fancy pigeon abandoned on a park bench, she never imagined she would one day be ordering custom-made diapers for the bird – who lives in her house and has become a member of the family.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
5 dead and at least 35 hurt in Iowa tornado: officials
Five people died and at least 35 were hurt as powerful tornadoes ripped through Iowa Tuesday, with one carving a path of destruction through the town of Greenfield, officials said.
Woman found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017 matches identity of missing person in Switzerland
Genetic genealogy has helped Toronto police identify a woman who was found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017.