Seniors will soon have better access to affordable housing with supports that will enhance their independence at RiverBend Seniors Community, a new housing complex under construction that will provide 66 supportive units, as well as 106 market units in Prince George.

Residents will be provided with a range of support services, including three meals a day, assistance with laundry, housekeeping and hospitality services to help them stay independent in their homes and age in place. For a fee, these services will also be available to market-unit residents.

Seniors at RiverBend will also enjoy access to common space, including a lounge, library, gym, multi-purpose rooms and computer room. Oncore Senior Society will manage and operate the 66 supportive housing units, as well as oversee and administer all the services on site.

The British Columbia government will provide $4 million for the purchase of 33 supportive units and financing of over $3.8 million to Oncore Seniors Society for the purchase of an additional 33 supportive units. The City of Prince George will provide $265,050 in development cost-charges relief, an affordable housing grant of $855,000 and a 10-year municipal tax exemption on the assessed value of improvements. A&T Ventures LTD is developing RiverBend Seniors Community and will manage the sales of market units.

Construction is estimated to be complete in late 2017.

(flickr.com)

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism, and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, and MLA for Prince George-Valemount –

“Increasing affordable rental housing for seniors is a priority for our government. This project will make a substantial difference in the lives of seniors who wish to continue living independently at home for as long as possible.”

Mike Morris, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, and MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie –

“B.C.’s senior population continues to grow, and developments like this help them remain independent and active members of our community. RiverBend Seniors Community not only provides stable housing but the independence our seniors deserve.”

Lyn Hall, mayor, City of Prince George –

“The City of Prince George is focused on meeting the needs of all of its citizens in every stage of life, which is why council has placed a high priority on affordable, accessible housing, equity and inclusion, a vibrant economy and sustainable infrastructure. On behalf of council, I would like to thank Frank Quinn and A&T Ventures and the Government of B.C. for their vital investments in our city. I would also like to acknowledge the leadership of council and the hard work of city staff in helping to ensure this project moved forward. We can all be proud to add this facility to the community because it ensures that seniors have the option to live affordably and comfortably in their chosen homes.”

Frank Quinn, A&T Ventures LTD –

“RiverBend will allow seniors to live the way they want to, independently in their private home, but also drawing services as they need them, so they can stay in their own home for the majority of their life. The project would not have worked without the innovation of the City of Prince George through development cost-charges relief and tax incentives, plus fast-tracking the zoning and approval process. The Province took a leap of faith with this model and stood behind this project all the way.”

Garry Limpright, board chair, Oncore Seniors Society –

“We’re very grateful for this investment and the support provided by the provincial government and the City of Prince George. Seniors in the community will now have greater access to affordable housing and more options to continue living independently.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $4.4 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families.
• More than 102,500 B.C. households benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.
• The Province provided more than $15.3 million last year toward subsidized housing and rent supplements for almost 1,900 households in Prince George.

Learn More:

For more information on affordable housing programs and the province’s efforts to end

homelessness in B.C., please visit: www.housingmattersbc.ca/factsheets.html and

www.bchousing.org

Follow BC Housing on Twitter: @BC_Housing (twitter.com)