PROVINCE INVESTS IN MORE HOUSING FOR QUESNEL SENIORS

QUESNEL – Provincial funding is creating more affordable housing options for seniors in Quesnel with the opening of 35 assisted living apartments at Maeford Place.

“The Province is committed to providing housing options that promote seniors’ independence through safe and affordable housing,” said John Rustad, MLA for Prince George-Omineca. “Maeford Place ensures Quesnel seniors can continue to enjoy the privacy and choices of apartment-style living, with support services as they are needed.”

Maeford Place is the result of a partnership between the Province, Quesnel Seniors Housing Inc, inSite Housing, Hospitality & Health Services Inc, and Northern Health. The Province is providing housing subsidies for the assisted living units to ensure they remain affordable. Northern Health will provide ongoing funding for personal care and hospitality services to ensure tenants have access to the healthcare support they need to remain independent.

“Northern Health’s goal is to provide a range of services for seniors across the region. It is important that we provide the best possible support for our seniors’ unique health needs. This new assisted living development will help Quesnel seniors remain independent, while having their care needs met,” said Michael McMillan, Northern Health’s chief operating officer for the Northern Interior.

“At inSite, our mandate is to provide innovative programs to help enrich the lives of seniors throughout British Columbia,” said Carole Holmes, president & CEO of inSite Housing, Hospitality & Health Services. “Maeford Place helped Quesnel create a vibrant community where age is an advantage.”

“We believe that our local seniors should have a place to live when their care needs change,” said Allen McDonald, president of Quesnel Seniors Housing Inc. “Maeford Place is achieving our goal of assisting our seniors in maintaining their independence and quality of life for as long as possible.”

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. To date, 9,599 new and replacement beds and units have been built, including 4,053 net-new beds/units. In addition, there are 2,401 beds/units under construction.

The Province has exceeded its commitment in providing more than 4,000 affordable assisted living apartments for B.C. seniors and persons with disabilities. Budget 2008 increased the amount the Province invests in affordable housing and shelters to more than $380 million a year, more than three times as much as in 2001.

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Contact:

Renee Schisler

BC Housing

604 439-4757

604 375-1235

Carlo Elstak

inSite Housing, Hospitality & Health Services Inc

604 899-6040

604 834-8355

Eryn Collins
Northern Health
250 565-2694

1 backgrounder(s) attached.


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