$18M SENIORS' DEVELOPMENT BREAKS GROUND IN BURNABY

BURNABY – More seniors will have access to the housing supports they need to lead independent lives thanks to 70 units of new housing with support services and commercial space that officially broke ground today, announced John Nuraney, MLA for Burnaby-Willingdon.

“The Province is partnering with non-profit societies like the Royal Canadian Legion to provide more housing options that better meet the unique needs of seniors,” said Nuraney. “By providing mortgage financing of over $14 million, we’re ensuring that seniors have a supportive community to call home for years to come.”

The four-storey wood-frame development will be called RCL South Burnaby No.83 Housing Society and will be built on a vacant site at 5289 Grimmer Street. Residents will receive hospitality services including nutritious meals, housekeeping, linen laundry, fitness and recreational activities and full-time security.

The building will include 70 one-bedroom units including eight with dens, a commercial kitchen, dining room, fireside lounge, exercise and multi-purpose spaces and a separate commercial area intended for a legion club. The building design will include a residents’ laundry facility and common washrooms on each floor.

The Province provided mortgage financing of $14.37 million. The City of Burnaby has committed $227,000 towards the capital cost of the development through the Community Benefit Bonus Housing Fund.

“Breaking ground for a seniors’ housing development of this size is essential towards providing adequate care for seniors, said Mayor Derek Corrigan, City of Burnaby. “We are proud to be a part of this partnership to provide supportive housing for seniors in our community.”

South Burnaby Royal Canadian Legion Branch No.83, the non-profit operator of the development, provided the land valued at $4 million and will oversee the construction of the building. Construction will begin later this month and is expected to be completed by July 2010.

“We are very pleased that the provincial government has financed the mortgage so we can move forward with our commitment to develop this facility,” said Stephanie Watts, president of the South Burnaby Royal Canadian Legion Branch No.83. “The needs and expectations of a changing seniors’ population are being fully considered as the shovel breaks ground today.”

Founded in 1925, the Royal Canadian Legion now has 1600 branches across Canada to provide support including low-cost housing, health care and home support to seniors and veterans. The legion’s mission is to serve veterans and their dependants, promote remembrance and act in the service of Canada and its communities. The South Burnaby Royal Canadian Legion Branch No.83 currently has 400 members.

In 2008, the provincial government met its commitment to provide 5,000 net-new residential care beds, assisted living units, supportive housing and home support.

‘Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness’ is a website providing a comprehensive and detailed look at provincial programs and services to address homelessness.

Visit www.bchousing.org/breakingthecycle for more information.

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Media contact:	Rhonda Nguyen BC Housing 604 439-4740 604 374-8301 (cell)	Johannes Schumann Community Planner City of Burnaby 604 294-7288
	Larry Vetter Project Manager South Burnaby Royal Canadian Legion Branch 604 888-8702 604 614-7947 (cell)
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