Central Okanagan

Seniors and people with disabilities in Lake Country will soon benefit from a joint initiative between the provincial and federal governments.

Photo: Jennifer Zielinski

Lake Country celebrated the opening of Pinewoods Villas on Thursday.

Through an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement, over $1.4 million was made available for the construction of Pinewoods Villas, a new ten unit seniors' rental housing apartment which celebrated its grand opening at a ceremony Thursday morning in Lake Country.

"This project is a great example of what we strive for," says Kelowna-Lake Country MP Ron Cannon.

"All levels of government working together with a wonderful not-for-profit organization to provide quality, affordable and accessible housing for people to live in a safe and friendly community environment."

The new residence, located at 10274 Bottom Wood Lake Road will provide affordable modular housing for seniors and people with disabilities in need.

Modular housing has been used extensively for seniors' rental housing developments as it allows construction to take place in a factory with less dependence on weather conditions.

The modular units meet EnerGuide 80 standards and are designed to be easily accessible for seniors and people with disabilities.

This includes room sizes that allow for wheelchair access and manoeuvring, shelves and light switches at an accessible height and bathroom grab bars or step-in showers.

"Our government has made it a priority to develop affordable housing projects, such as Pinewood Villas, for our seniors," says Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick.

"With the opening of Pinewood Villas, seniors now have increased affordable housing options that are specifically designed for their needs right here in Lake Country."

The Society of HOPE will manage and operate the building. The society has been working in this capacity in the Central Okanagan since 1989.

"We are proud to add Pinewood Villas to our portfolio of housing for seniors we manage and operate," says society president Lorne Gerber.

"We strongly believe in providing seniors with an array of housing options that are safe and affordable. Pinewood Villas is a true testament to this. I would like to thank all partners involved in making this project a reality."

The Pinewood project is part of the Seniors' Rental Housing Initiative, a $365 million joint investment first announced April 8, 2009, and made possible by an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement, which included funding through Canada's Economic Action Plan and by the government of British Columbia.

The overall goal was to develop approximately 1,300 new affordable rental housing units.