Affordable housing for seniors and families continues to be in demand in Penticton and the region.
On Friday, the government of B.C. re-released information praising the benefits of four modular apartments in Naramata that were funded by the provincial and federal governments. The units, which opened in July, have been filled up and have a short waiting list.
“I think it is really great for the size of our community to have eight units right in downtown Naramata. It definitely is a needed service,” said Naramata director Karla Kozakevich.
“I know of some seniors that have moved into Penticton, but as far as I know there is no plans for a third development.”
The Naramata housing units, located at Columbus Place 3320 3rd St., provide apartments for seniors and persons with disabilities. Modular housing has been used extensively for the seniors’ rental housing developments as it allows construction to take place in a factory with less dependence on weather conditions.
The total capital cost for the project was approximately $1.3 million. The room sizes allow for wheelchair access and manoeuvring, shelves and light switches at an accessible height and bathroom grab bars or step-in showers.
“These new units of affordable housing help Naramata seniors continue living in an area where they have established roots and remain close to family and friends,” said Penticton MLA Bill Barisoff. “I would also like to recognize the local residents who helped to catalyze this development.”
The Christopher Housing Society manages and operates the apartments at Columbus Place. They also operate 42 apartments of affordable family housing with an on-site day care in Penticton.
Diane Anderson, Christopher Housing Society administrator for the Penticton area, said the need for affordable housing extends beyond seniors, with family housing, especially for single parents, having a large demand. Anderson added one issue with seniors housing is a lack of assisted living facilities. Currently the society manages the family housing facility in Penticton, the units in Naramata and Abbott Towers in Penticton which has 97 suites for low-income seniors.
“It seems to me what really needs to happen is we need more facilities for seniors to go to for assisted living. They are all on a waiting list for that, so they can’t get out of Abbott Towers to get seniors housing,” said Anderson.
