Halcyon Assisted Living Society (HALS) has been selected as the non-profit operator for Moberly Manor, an affordable rental housing development with 19 apartments for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities at 712 West 2nd Street in Revelstoke.

Eight of the apartments are new affordable housing for independent seniors and persons with disabilities. The 11 assisted living units offer tenants self-contained apartments along with personal care and hospitality services that include two meals daily, weekly housekeeping and some laundry, social and recreational opportunities and a 24-hour response system.

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Housing:

"The Province and our partners are creating more than just affordable housing - every new unit is a home that fits the lifestyle, income and unique needs of residents. This is housing with a heart that makes a real difference in people's lives. I want to thank all the partners involved in this project and I extend my congratulations to Halcyon Assisted Living Society for being selected as the housing operator."

Dr. Robert Halpenny, president and CEO, Interior Health:

"Interior Health is looking forward to working with Halcyon Assisted Living Society and towards continuing our service commitment to the tenants who reside at Moberly Manor."

Garry Merkel, Columbia Basin Trust board chair:

"One of our goals is to assist communities in dealing with affordable housing issues, and in particular to support new housing initiatives that increase seniors' housing. We are really pleased to be part of this project and look forward to seeing how Halcyon Assisted Living Society will enrich the Revelstoke community."

Quick Facts:

* Incorporated in 2004, Halcyon Assisted Living Society was formed in order to help people requiring assisted living level housing and services to age in place in their home community. The society was selected as the result of a Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) proposal call issued in January.

* The 11 assisted living units are funded by the Province and Interior Health through the Independent Living BC (ILBC) program, a housing-for-health program for seniors that has created close to 4,500 new affordable housing units across the province.

* The eight independent seniors' apartments are being developed through the amended Canada-BC Affordable Housing Agreement, through joint contributions by the Government of Canada through Canada's Economic Action Plan and by the Province under the Seniors' Rental Housing (SRH) initiative.

* Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) is also a partner in the Moberly Manor project. CBT has committed to the overall capital costs of seven sites in the Columbia Basin region for a total of 114 units under the Seniors' Rental Housing initiative. Projects are being built in Cranbrook, Kimberley, Creston, Baynes Lake, Golden, Valemount and an additional site in Revelstoke.

Learn More:

Through Housing Matters BC, the Province is addressing a range of housing needs, from homelessness to affordable rental housing and homeownership.

To find out more about affordable housing in B.C., visit: www.bchousing.org

Media contact: Laura Kohli

Senior Communications Specialist

BC Housing

604 439-8583 Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect