Seniors, including those with mobility challenges, are moving into 18 affordable, accessible homes close to services and amenities in Valemount, helping them stay connected to the community they know and love.

“Seniors living on fixed incomes deserve safe, stable and affordable homes that meet their needs,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “These new, fully accessible homes will allow residents to live independently in a space that supports them and helps build a more sustainable future for all of us. We’re continuing to invest in affordable housing across the province so that more people can find the housing that suits them.”

The single-level, energy-efficient building at 1101 Ash St. includes 16 one-bedroom homes and two two-bedroom homes. All homes are designed to be fully accessible to support seniors with mobility challenges, allowing them to age comfortably in their community. Each home has direct access to a private outdoor garden patio space.

“The new seniors’ homes in Valemount show how B.C. is working to improve quality of life for older adults across the province,” said Susie Chant, parliamentary secretary for seniors’ services and long-term care. “As people age, having the right supports and amenities helps them continue living independently. This building not only makes that possible, but also gives seniors a welcoming place to connect, socialize and spend time with friends and family — all while staying in the community they call home.”

The Valemount Senior Citizens Society (VSCHS), which will operate the new building, has worked with its partners to fund additional amenities, including a common dining room, commercial kitchen, greenhouse and multipurpose room.

“We are thrilled that more seniors have new homes, thanks to a strong partnership between the Village of Valemount, the Valemount Senior Citizens Housing Society and other funding providers,” said Owen Torgerson, mayor of Valemount. “These new homes offer amenities and social opportunities that promote active aging and independence.”

This project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has more than 93,600 homes that have been delivered or are underway, including more than 2,900 homes in northern B.C.

Quotes:

Johnny Strilaeff, president and CEO, Columbia Basin Trust –

“Affordable housing is a priority across the Columbia Basin, and these homes provide more options for seniors in Valemount, while the solar arrays add long-term environmental and financial benefits. We’re grateful to all the partners who made this possible, especially the Valemount Senior Citizens Housing Society.”

Donnie MacLean, chair, Valemount Senior Citizens Housing Society –

“The VSCHS is excited to bring these new, affordable homes for seniors to Valemount. These homes offer a comfortable place to remain connected to community, and we are proud to have worked with our partners to accomplish this legacy for Valemount, for this generation and those to come.”

Quick Facts:

• Monthly rents range from $445 to approximately $1,220, depending on unit size and the income of residents.
• The development was designed as a net-zero building, meaning it balances its energy use with on-site renewable energy production to minimize its environmental impact. 
• The roof of 1101 Ash St. includes 388 solar panels, designed to exceed the total energy needs of the building.

Learn More:

To learn more about how rents are set for developments supported through the Community Housing Fund Program, visit: https://www.bchousing.org/projects-partners/Building-BC/CHF

To learn how B.C. is working to deliver more homes for people, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/more-homes-for-people

To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for people in British Columbia, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/

A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available here: https://www.bchousing.org/projects-partners/Building-BC/homes-for-BC  

To learn how BC Housing is helping to build strong, inclusive housing communities, visit: https://www.bchousing.org/podcast

A backgrounder follows.