Photo: Greyback Construction

An affordable seniors housing development in Okanagan Falls is now accepting applications for residents to move in next month, marking the end of a years-long journey to see the project come to fruition. 

“It’s amazing. It’s been a long road, it’s something that’s been really desperately needed in our community,” said Leslie D’Andrea, board director of the South Skaha Housing Society.

The society was formed in 2005 with the goal of bringing affordable housing to OK Falls. 

D’Andrea said that studies over the years have showed the need for affordable seniors housing in the aging community.

The new development at 5081 8th avenue features 24 one-bedroom units and a pair of two-bedroom units. Three are accessible. Rents range from $750 to $975 and renters must be 55 plus. 

D’Andrea says they hope to give local seniors first priority.

“That’s our wish, we have to be mindful that it is a provincial grant so everyone in the province is eligible, but yes the bias and response to the needs assessment is local,” she said.

BC Housing funded the construction of the project with $5.9 million. The RDOS has also supported the project through tax exemptions and waiving development cost charges.

A grand opening will be held at the building on Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. Information on how to apply to live at the building can be found here.