Work is coming along for the Ambrosia affordable housing project on Veteran’s Way in Keremeos.
“We are excited to see walls going up at Ambrosia,” said Sarah Martin, executive director of the Lower Similkameen Community Services Society. “LSCSS new offices and three storeys of affordable suites for seniors, people with disabilities and families in Keremeos.”
Martin said they are grateful to work alongside such an experienced team of Mierau Contractors and NSDA Architects.
Once built, Ambrosia will provide 43 new affordable rental homes, including seven wheelchair accessible suites. There will be an elevator and wheelchair access to the lobby, said Martin.
The building is expected to be complete by winter 2021-22.
The new complex could house up to 100 people or more. LSCSS has been receiving applications for this project since the announcement of the mixed housing was approved, said Martin.
At its very core, Ambrosia, has been a community project, she said.
Over $150,000 in donations, most of which were anonymous, poured in to help fund the project. More than $120,000 of this was received from four donors. This helped the society purchase the land, which allowed them to be eligible to apply for funding.
This is the rendering of what Ambrosia affordable housing will look like once complete in winter 2021-22.
In addition to the residential units for seniors, people with disabilities and families, the Ambrosia development will also include office space that is planned to become the hub for many of the services the LSCSS delivers to the Similkameen Valley.
READ MORE: Ambrosia housing project a community effort
The project will meet the needs of those on their wait-list for affordable housing and possibly help bring much needed workers to settle into the area.
Meanwhile two other affordable housing projects in Keremeos have hit major snags. The Cactus Court, at 7th Avenue and Quail Crossing at the back of Mountain View Manor at 11th Avenue have both been stalled ahead of completion and currently sit empty.
People were supposed to move into the units this summer.
“BC Housing is working to resolve issues with the Cactus Court and Quail Crossing projects that are delaying occupancy by tenants. We cannot comment further on this case as it is going through a legal process. We will provide an update to the public once that process is over,” said the provincial government last year.
The projects were started with plans by the LSCSS for additional housing after receiving a $3.1 million grant from the province in 2016. More information about those two projects will be coming soon.
READ MORE: Affordable housing projects sit empty
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LSIB Chief Keith Crow (middle) and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Selina Robertson (at podium) and BC Premier John Horgan at the groundbreaking for the Ambrosia affordable housing project. (Review file photo)
The walls have gone up on the Ambrosia affordable housing project on Veteran's Way in Keremeos. Once complete, it will have 43 homes for seniors, people with disabilities and families. (Sarah Martin LSCSS)
