NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPENS FOR LANGLEY SENIORS

LANGLEY – Seniors in Langley now have access to 58 new affordable homes after federal, provincial and community partners celebrated the official opening today of Evergreen Timbers, a $17.2-million assisted living development.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing more available in British Columbia and for those who need it most,” said Mark Warawa, MP for Langley, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. “Seniors in Langley will now have access to quality, affordable housing and the services that meet their specific needs, while remaining close to their families and friends in the community.”

Evergreen Timbers is funded under Independent Living BC, an innovative housing-for-health program funded by the federal and provincial governments that provides housing for seniors and people with disabilities. Assisted living homes are self-contained apartments with a 24-hour response system. Residents receive personal care services, such as assistance with medication, housekeeping, meals, laundry services and recreational opportunities.

“Seniors want affordable housing solutions that make sense,” said Mary Polak, MLA for Langley. “They want to maintain their independence while living close to family and friends, with convenient access to personal care services in their community. Projects like Evergreen Timbers can provide those opportunities, and our government is committed to supporting them.”

The Fraser Heath Authority will be providing funding for hospitality and personal care services.

“Seniors in our communities tell us that safe housing options are needed to allow them to live independently for as long as they can,” said Nigel Murray, president and CEO of Fraser Health. “In addition to assistance with medications and mobility, social and recreational opportunities for residents will improve their overall health.”

“Langley’s seniors need more options to live independently as they age,” said Mayor Peter Fassbender, City of Langley. “By adding assisted living, we are ensuring that Langley remains an affordable and liveable city at any age or care level.”

Langley Lions Senior Citizens Housing Society will manage and operate Evergreen Timbers by providing a full spectrum of quality services for seniors. The continuum of care helps seniors age in place and offers a wide range of housing and care alternatives.

“Evergreen Timbers will provide this community with 58 new homes for seniors,” said Jeanette Dagenais of Langley Lions Senior Citizens Housing Society. “The development is an innovative and progressive model of housing and care and we’re pleased to welcome its new residents.”

These new units are part of the British Columbia government’s commitment to provide 5,000 net-new residential care beds, assisted living units, and supportive housing with home support units by the end of 2008. As of December 2007, 9,599 new and replacement beds and units have opened, including 4,053 net-new beds/units. In addition, there are 2,401 beds/units under construction.

The Province of British Columbia is committed to providing more than 4,000 affordable assisted living apartments for B.C. seniors and persons with disabilities. To date, more than 3,900 have been allocated in communities across the province. Through the provincial housing strategy, Housing Matters BC, the Province is investing $380 million in shelters and affordable housing this year, three times as much as in 2001.

The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, will contribute more than $130 million by 2010 towards affordable housing in this province. The provincial government will provide a minimum of $34 million annually to subsidize the cost of units built under the Canada-BC Affordable Housing Agreement, as part of a larger strategy to provide a range of housing options for British Columbians in greatest need.

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Contact:

Rhonda Nguyen

BC Housing

604 439-4740

604 374-8301 (cell)

Tom Siems

Regional Manager,

Community Development

CMHC

778 228-7521

Michael Bernard

Fraser Health

604 587-4611

604 614-5215 (cell)

Jeanette Dagenais

Langley Lions Senior Citizens Housing Society

604 530-7171

1 backgrounder(s) attached.


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