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Funding sought for seniors housing in Kimberley

Kimberley Project Society wants to build more affordable seniors housing

For the past seven years, the Kimberley Seniors Project Society (formerly the Kimberley Lions Project Society) has been seeking funding for a new affordable housing project.

The Society owns three lots on Church Avenue, and also operates the Lions Manor in that area. Rents at the Lions Manor are some of the lowest in Kimberley. In the past five years, the Society has spent about $40,000 on upgrades to Lions Manor.

But even while those upgrades were taking place, the three Pioneer Lodges, also operated by the Society, were slowly falling into disrepair. Over the past few years, all of them have been closed for health and safety reasons. Expenses had also been climbing on the lodges.

The Society has put several proposals forward to BC Housing for approval in the past seven years, but have been unable to obtain full funding yet.

BC Housing did approve $70,000, which allowed the Society to do a survey, geotechnical and environmental studies and hire an architect.

They are continuing to pursue both federal and provincial funding for a new housing complex for seniors (55 plus), persons with disabilities and persons and families in need.

The Society has approached City Council for support, including letters of support, financial assistance if any were available, or in kind assistance. They are also looking for City help in lobbying government for funding. The next funding window begins in March 2013.



Carolyn Grant

About the Author: Carolyn Grant

I have been with the Kimberley Bulletin since 2001 and have enjoyed every moment of it.
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