A new project is addressing the shortage of seniors housing in Enderby.
On Friday, a groundbreaking ceremony was held to kick off an expansion at Memorial Terrace.
“This is great news for the community,” said Mayor Greg McCune.
The project will include 33 affordable rental units added to the existing 15 units, and they will include supportive services like meals, housekeeping and laundry.
Overseeing the project is the Enderby Seniors Housing Society.
“We are very pleased to finally be starting construction of phase two,” said Peter Gilowski, society president.
“We have been working on this project since our hospital in Enderby was closed in 2006.”
McCune says one of the current challenges in Enderby is a lack of supportive housing for seniors and the expansion will help ease the pressure.
“People don’t have to leave Enderby anymore,” he said, adding that the complex also has social benefits for tenants.
“If they are away from family, they are close to people at Memorial Terrace.”
The provincial government is providing $8.5 million in capital funding and the land valued at $473,000. The City of Enderby will contribute $165,000 in municipal and regional development cost waivers.
“Affordable rental housing for seniors, particularly when it comes with supportive services, makes a big difference for residents. This expansion is great news for seniors in Enderby and the surrounding area,” said Greg Kyllo, Shuswap MLA.
Construction is expected to be completed in the spring of 2018.