Plan would create 36 affordable housing units for seniors at Pioneer Manor in Sudbury

A major redevelopment at Pioneer Manor has created vacant space that Greater Sudbury wants to convert to seniors housing at a cost of $16 million. (File)

A major redevelopment at Pioneer Manor has created vacant space that Greater Sudbury wants to convert to seniors housing at a cost of $16 million.

According to a report headed to city council July 14, the project would be financed by a social housing reserve fund that holds $19 million.

“Ongoing operating costs will include the provision of rent supplements through the housing services budget, with rents geared to 30 per cent of the household’s income,” the report said.

Large amount of vacant space

The Pioneer Manor redevelopment began in 2023 and residents are expected to begin moving in next month.

“Following this transition, approximately 33,000 square feet within the existing building will become available, creating an opportunity to repurpose the vacant space to support broader municipal priorities and address emerging system needs,” the report said.

The 36 units would be geared toward more independent seniors, unlike the other residents of Pioneer Manor, who live in long-term care and have more complex needs.

“The proposed model would provide independent, self-contained residential units designed to support aging in place, offering an appropriate level of housing for seniors who do not require long-term care, however, would benefit from stable, affordable accommodations,” the report said.

The units would help ease the growing demand for subsidized housing units for seniors in Sudbury, which currently sits at 243 residents ages 65-75. More than 168 people will become eligible in the next five years.

Rents would be set at 30 per cent of household income. If approved, construction would begin next year.

Read the full report here.