The Province and community partners were on hand today to celebrate the official opening of 20 new units of affordable housing for seniors in Kamloops.

Located at 755 Mayfair St., the new apartments are part of the RiverBend Seniors Community complex.

Project partners and funding include:

• The B.C. government arranged $2.1 million in long-term financing for the affordable housing units.
• Oncore Central Services (formerly River City Seniors Society and Kamloops Seniors Outreach Society) contributed approximately $115,000 in equity, and owns and operates the 20 units of affordable seniors housing.

Residents of the apartments share access to a multi-purpose room, workshop, lounge, community garden, dining room, library and games room, fitness centre, theatre, salon, and other amenities with the RiverBend Seniors Community.

Quotes:

Terry Lake, Minister of Health and MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson - 

“Our government is pleased to support the continued development of the RiverBend Seniors Community. With the completion of the 20 apartments, our seniors now have increased access to affordable housing options in Kamloops. I’d like to acknowledge Oncore Central Services and Mayfair Developments for their dedication to meeting the housing needs of seniors in our community.”

Suzan Goguen, executive director, Oncore Central Services -

“At Oncore Central Services, we believe that quality, affordable housing should be an attainable goal for all seniors. These 20 new units of housing greatly benefits the community of Kamloops, creating much needed affordable housing options for our seniors in need. I would like to thank the Government of B.C. for their faith and commitment towards making this project a reality.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $4 billion to provide affordable housing for nearly 100,000 low-income individuals, seniors and families in communities throughout the province.
• In 2013-14, the B.C. government invested over $6.4 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for 1,758 Kamloops households.
• Oncore Central Services enhances the well-being of seniors through service, advocacy and referral to Oncore programs and other related agencies in the community. Their programs and services support and enhance the lives of seniors and actively promote participation in all aspects of community life.
• Age-in-place support services are available to senior residents including optional meals, cleaning and laundry services will be available to all residents.
• Shared facilities and programs will be available within the RiverBend Seniors Community for residents.

Learn More:

Information on the Community Partnership Initiatives: www.bchousing.org/Initiatives/Financing/CPI

To learn more about RiverBend Seniors Community, visit: www.theriverbend.ca

Media Contacts:

Elaine McKay
BC Housing
778 452-6476