Seniors and people with disabilities now have increased access to affordable seniors' housing with support services thanks to an accepted offer for the Lake Country Senior Housing Society to purchase four apartments in an existing condominium building in Lake Country.

The B.C. government arranged $752,863 in long-term financing. The Lake Country Senior Housing Society provided $40,000 towards this purchase.

The four, two-bedroom apartments located at 3180 Beaver Lake Rd. will be managed and operated by the Lake Country Senior Housing Society. In addition to a meal plan and basic cleaning support, residents of the apartments will also receive access to social and recreational programs offered at Blue Heron Villa - an assisted living complex for seniors located next door, which is also operated by the society.

Quotes:

Norm Letnick, MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country -

"Our government is proud to have partnered with the Lake Country Senior Housing Society to help realize their vision. The purchase of these four units is a cost-effective opportunity to create more affordable housing in Lake Country. With about 1,000 places in the Kelowna area, this allows seniors to age in place in their home communities near family and friends."

Owen Dickie, councillor, District of

"It's wonderful to see the purchase of these apartments move forward for the Lake Country Senior Housing Society. I would like to commend them for their hard work and effort in ensuring that Lake Country seniors will continue to have greater access to quality, affordable housing in this community."

Bill Clark, president, Lake Country Senior Housing Society -

"Our society found that there is a need for more two-bedroom rental accommodations for seniors in our community, and we aimed to address it. We are delighted to announce the purchase completion of four apartments in the Brookstone building, located directly across from our Blue Heron Complex, to help fulfill this demand."

Quick Facts:

• Under BC's Family Agenda, government is committed to improving housing for low-income families, seniors and people experiencing homelessness. To learn more, visit: www.familiesfirstbc.ca
• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $3.2 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families. This year, more than 97,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.
• In 2011-12, the Province invested approximately $894,000 to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for 152 households in Lake Country.
• Established in 1998, the Lake Country Senior Housing Society is a not-for-profit, charitable society dedicated to providing quality, affordable housing combined with the highest standards of support services and care to the senior population in need.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Community Partnership Initiative, visit: http://www.bchousing.org/Initiatives/Financing/CPI

For tenancy enquiries, please contact Tanis Read at 250 215-2121.

Contact:

Fergus McCann
BC Housing
778 452-6445
604 561-4375 cell