AFFORDABLE SENIORS’ HOUSING COMPLEX OPENS IN VICTORIA

VICTORIA – The Province and community partners are providing Victoria seniors with more affordable housing options with the opening of Parry Place, a new 21-unit assisted living development.

“Seniors are living longer, healthier lives and our government is committed to promoting their independence through affordable housing options,” said Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Ida Chong. “Projects like Parry Place enrich the lives of seniors by providing apartment-style living that is close to family, friends and the full services of a community like Victoria.”

Parry Place is funded through Independent Living BC, a provincial program that provides housing and support services 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. The Vancouver Island Health Authority is providing annual operational funding for personal care services and associated health-care services.

“Most seniors in our communities do not want or need 24-hour care in a hospital setting,” said Jac Kreut, Vancouver Island Health Authority board chair. “Assisted living adds to the range of housing and care options currently available, which suits a growing population of seniors who are able to live independently with the right supports.”

The Real Estate Foundation of BC, the City of Victoria, Beckley Farm Lodge, the Regional Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Region Housing Corporation are also project partners.

“The Parry Place project is in keeping with the City of Victoria’s Official Community Plan objective to support public and private initiatives that provide good quality housing for elderly Victoria residents who are in need of assistance,” said Victoria Mayor Alan Lowe. “By working in partnership with the community and the Province, we are achieving an increase in our community care capacity for seniors, which is the hallmark of a responsible community.”

“The Real Estate Foundation of BC is committed to supporting sustainable real estate and land-use practices for the benefit of British Columbians,” said Jack Hall, chair of the Real Estate Foundation of BC. “Parry Place meets this goal by offering homes that promote greater well-being for seniors in their own community.”

Parry Place is owned and directly managed by the Capital Region Housing Corporation, a non-profit housing provider offering affordable housing for people with low to moderate incomes.

“We believe that our local seniors should have the option to remain in their community as their care needs change,” said Amy Jaarsma of the Capital Region Housing Corporation. “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 seniors’ supportive housing with home support units by the end of 2008. As of March 31, 2008 the Province has opened 10,135 new and replacement beds, including 4,538 net-new beds/units. In addition, there are 1,168 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:

Rhonda Nguyen

BC Housing

604 439-4740

Shannon Marshall

Vancouver Island Health Authority

250 370-8270

Celina Owen

Real Estate Foundation of BC

604 688-6800 ext. 103

Amy Jaarsma

Capital Region Housing Corporation

250 388-6422

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