Seniors and people with disabilities in Kelowna will soon have more affordable housing options with the start of construction of the second phase of Apple Valley.

The new five-story building will provide 78 additional rental apartments, bringing the total number of units at Apple Valley to 150.

Residents will be able to enjoy access to the Ziglar Recreation and Senior Support Centre, which opened in 2011 as part of the first phase of the development. The centre includes a fireside lounge and library, a multi-purpose room, meeting rooms, a large community kitchen, a billiards/shuffleboard room and a six-lane bowling alley.

The B.C. government is arranging close to $13 million in construction financing, while the Society of Hope provided the land valued at $1.5 million.

Construction is expected to be completed by late fall 2016. Work also continues with 50 units of affordable seniors’ housing at Pleasantvale in Kelowna. That project is expected to be finished by spring 2016.

Quotes:

Steve Thomson, MLA for Kelowna-Mission –

“Increasing affordable rental housing for seniors and persons with disabilities continues to be a priority for our government. It’s exciting that we are breaking ground on the expansion of Apple Valley today to further meet the housing needs in our community.”

Norm Letnick, MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country –

“Over the years our partnership with the Society of Hope and the City has created close to 500 homes for those in need in the Okanagan and we are thrilled to be partnering again on this expansion.”

Colin Basran, mayor, City of Kelowna –

“The City is proud of the work accomplished by the Society of Hope and continues to accomplish in the City of Kelowna. I look forward to seeing the new building and the positive impact it will make to seniors and those with disabilities in this community."

Lorne Gerber, president, The Society of Hope –

“The expansion of Apple Valley will increase Hope’s housing portfolio to 635 rental homes. We’d like to thank both the Province and the City of Kelowna for continuing to support housing projects that meet the needs of seniors, families and those with disabilities in Kelowna. By working together we are improving people’s lives and making a real difference in our City.”

Quick facts:

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $4.4 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families.
• This year, more than 102,500 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.
• Last year, the Province invested more than $10.7 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 3,000 households in Kelowna. This includes providing support to for more than 1,500 senior households.
• The second phase of Apple Valley, located at 2065 Benvoulin Court, will be managed and operated by the Society of Hope.

Learn more:

• The Society of Hope is a non-profit organization that has been providing quality, affordable housing to low-income residents in the Central Okanagan since 1989. To find out more, please visit: http://societyofhope.org
• Follow BC Housing on Twitter @BC_Housing (twitter.com)

(flickr.com)