The provincial government is giving Yellowhead Community Services Society nearly $3.6 million to help it construct a new 26-unit apartment building in Clearwater.
MLA Terry Lake made the announcement during an event held Monday morning at Dutch Lake Community Centre.
“This investment will expand affordable rental housing options for seniors,” Lake said. “I’m proud that because of our government’s strong fiscal management we can take action to ensure seniors are being provided with affordable options to stay in their communities.”
The new building would be located on Park Drive next to Clearwater Library and across the street from the existing Woodside Apartments.
Construction the project is expected to begin next spring, with completion projected for early 2018.
Louise Weaver, chair of the YCS board, said that she has been aware during the more than 40 years she has lived here that it hasn’t always been easy for some people to find affordable and healthy places to live.
“We are now able to say, ‘There’s a place for you,’ and I’m proud to be part of it,” she said.
Most of the 26 units would be targeted towards families, with some available for seniors and the disabled, said Jack Keough, YCS executive director.
He said YCS would act as the landlord, with strict conditions imposed by BC Housing.
Mayor John Harwood praised Keough and Lake for the work they have done bringing the project this far.
“Twenty-five years from now you will be able to drive down the road past it and say, ‘I was part of that,’” the mayor said.
“This is just the beginning of what we need to do,” Harwood added.
Although the plans are not finalized, it appears that the building will have three studio apartments, seven one-bedroom units, 10 two-bedroom, and six three-bedroom.
There also would be about 2,500 sq. ft. of commercial space for rent on the ground floor.
Total size of the building would be close to 30,000 sq. ft. (2,700 square metres).
Inset graphic: An artist's drawing shows what a proposed 26-unit apartment block might look like. The building would include about 2,500 sq. ft. of commercial space for rent on the ground floor.