 |
| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
|
| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
|
|
|
|
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Ministry of Forests and Range and Minister Responsible for Housing |
|
|
ASSISTED LIVING FIRST OF ITS KIND FOR UCLUELET |
|
UCLUELET – Seniors on the west coast of Vancouver Island will soon have access to more housing and health options after today’s official groundbreaking ceremony for 10 new units of seniors’ housing.
The units are funded under Independent Living BC, a partnership between the provincial and federal governments, local health authorities, non-profit groups and the private sector. In this case, the Sea View Seniors’ Housing Society is the local non-profit partner.
“This housing development will
enable seniors to remain in the neighbourhood, within their community and have
access to safe and affordable housing,” said the Honourable David L. Emerson,
Minister of Industry, on behalf of the Honourable Joe Fontana, Minister of
Labour and Housing. “This project is a good example of a strong partnership
between the various levels of government and our local partners.”
The Sea View Seniors’ Housing Society assisted living development is the first of its kind for the west coast of Vancouver Island.
“The Independent Living BC program is helping the Province fulfil its commitment to house and care for seniors across the province,” said Nanaimo-Parksville MLA Ron Cantelon. “These 10 units mean that seniors won’t have to relocate because their care needs have changed.”
The assisted living units are self-contained apartments with a 24-hour response system. Residents receive personal care services, such as recreational opportunities and assistance with medications, housekeeping, meals, and laundry services. The federal government, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), provides funding to cover capital costs and BC Housing provides funding to ensure that the housing remains affordable. The Vancouver Island Health Authority funds the personal care and hospitality services for the Independent Living BC units.
“The flexibility with these units will go a long way in meeting the needs of seniors and disabled persons,” said Sue Abermann, director of residential services for the Vancouver Island Health Authority. “It’s important that choices are available as care needs change. This development is going to provide a supportive housing option for seniors in West Coast communities.”
“We are
meeting the challenges of an increasing population,” said District of Ucluelet
Mayor Dianne St. Jacques. “These assisted living units and the supportive
housing units in this development are one way to ensure that our residents have
access to appropriate housing and health options as they age.”
“We’ve
worked for several years to make this assisted living development a reality,”
said Carl Scott, president of the Sea View Seniors’ Housing Society. “We’re a
close community and partnerships are important to us. This development is the
result of many partnerships between our Society and several levels of
government.”
The Province of British Columbia, through BC Housing and the Independent Living BC program, is committed to providing 3,500 affordable assisted living apartments. To date, over 3,200 ILBC units, or 92 per cent, have been allocated in communities across the province.
The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will contribute $130 million by 2008 towards affordable housing in this province. The provincial government, through BC Housing, will provide a minimum of $34 million annually to subsidize the cost of units built under the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement, as part of a larger strategy to provide a range of housing options for British Columbians in greatest need.
Today’s announcement reflects the B.C. government’s goal of providing the best system of support in Canada for seniors. The Province’s September Budget Update provided an additional $242 million over three years to improve the lives of seniors, including: renewing the Seniors’ Supplement, to provide a monthly benefit for approximately 40,000 low income seniors; doubling annual funding for the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) program; and updating existing seniors’ health facilities and strengthening and modernizing the full range of services for seniors, to help them live as independently as possible.
-30-
|
|
||
|
contact: |
Corporate Communications BC Housing 604 439-4757 604 790-2344 (cell)
|
Senior Consultant, Marketing and Communications Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation 604 737-4162
|
|
|
President Sea View Seniors’ Housing Society 250 726-2228
|
Communications Advisor Vancouver Island Health Authority 250 740-6980
|
|
Visit the Province's website at www.gov.bc.ca for online information and services. |
||
