Residents gathered May 28 for the grand opening of an affordable senior housing development in French River. The French River Horizon has 30 units -- with 29 already filled. The residence has helped bring many people to the community, allowing more northerners to enjoy their golden years in Noelville. “Our seniors had come to an age where they had nowhere to go,” said Bob Prevost, senior non-profit housing board chair. “Their houses were too big. They wanted to downsize. They had to move out of our community. Moved to neighbouring Sudbury, neighbouring North Bay.” The development allowed people like Ginny Campbell to come back home. “I sold my house, moved to Quebec, was there for 28 months, and decided, OK, I’m moving back home again, ” Campbell said. “Our friends that live here come over, and we have our 5:00 happy hour, and they love it. Yes, it’s very nice here. I’m very happy to be here.” Another resident, Susan Miller, said she “loves” her new home. ‘I’m very happy to be here’ “Our friends that live here come over, and we have our 5 p.m. happy hour, and they love it,” Miller said. “Yes, it’s very nice here. I’m very happy to be here.” The development was built with accessibility in mind to ensure seniors can age in place while maintaining independence. “What makes me happy is that our long-standing citizens don’t have to go to Sudbury or Sturgeon Falls for, their senior years, the best years of their life,” said French River Mayor Gisèle Pageau. “This complex offers them, you know, security. It’s made for people with mobility issues.” Prevost said the units are situated beside the paramedic station, with the connecting gate to ensure fast access to health care. “They offer PSW, homemaking, and all sorts of other services that seniors need, depending how old or what kind of condition they are,” Pageau said. “And then we’re working with the health unit and the dentists to make sure that they are physically and mentally okay. And that’s the beauty of being here.” The project was initially thought up in the 1970s. Prevost said the dream is now a reality for the small community.
