ASSISTED LIVING UNITS OPEN FOR GOLDEN SENIORS

GOLDEN – Federal, provincial and community partners gathered today for the official opening of Golden Community Resources Society’s Mountain View, a $3-million assisted living development for seniors in Golden.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in British Columbia and across Canada for those who need it most,” said Jim Abbott, MP for Kootenay-Columbia, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. “With the opening of this project, seniors and people with disabilities in Golden will now have access to quality, affordable rental housing and services to meet their specific needs, while remaining close to their families and friends.”

Mountain View has eight assisted living units funded under Independent Living BC, a housing-for-health program for seniors and people with disabilities. The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), provided $400,000 under the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement. Assisted living homes 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.

“Innovative housing projects like Mountain View improve the quality of life and level of independence for seniors in our communities,” said Rich Coleman, Minister for Housing and Social Development. “Our objective is to ensure the elderly and people with disabilities get the assistance with daily living that they need, while maintaining their comfort and dignity.”

Interior Health provided land and covered associated costs as part of a long-term lease agreement and will be providing funding for hospitality and personal care services.

“Seniors in our communities tell us that safe and affordable housing options are needed to allow them to live independently for as long as they can,” said Karen Bloemink, Interior Health’s home and community care program administrator for the East Kootenay. “In addition to assistance with medications and mobility, social and recreational opportunities for residents will positively impact their overall health.”

“Golden’s seniors need more options to live independently as they age,” said Mayor Jim Doyle, Town of Golden. “By adding assisted living, we are ensuring that Golden remains an affordable and livable city at any age or care level.”

Golden Community Resources Society manages and operates Mountain View 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.

“Mountain View will provide this community with eight safe and affordable homes for seniors,” said Tricia Bowness of the Golden Community Resource Society. “The development is an innovative and progressive model of housing and care and we’re pleased to welcome residents.”

These units are part of the British Columbia government’s commitment to provide 5,000 net-new residential care beds, assisted living units, supportive housing and home support by the end of 2008.

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 more than $400 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.

-30-

Contact:

Rhonda Nguyen

BC Housing

604 439-4740

604 374-8301 (cell)

Christina Wensley

Regional Events Coordinator

CMHC

604 737-4032

Jennifer Henkes

Interior Health Authority

250 420-2404

250 417-9674 (cell)

Tricia Bowness

Golden Community Resources Society

250 344-5413

1 backgrounder(s) attached.


For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.