Affordable housing gets big boost in Okanagan Falls, Keremeos

OKANAGAN FALLS – Okanagan Falls and Keremeos received some welcome news regarding affordable senior housing with an announcement by the province today.

Okanagan Similkameen MLA Linda Larson and Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen director Tom Siddon announced $4.7 million in provincial funding for a 35-unit affordable senior’s housing project in Okanagan Falls this morning, Nov. 16.

The announcement follows the South Skaha Housing Society’s second application for funding for such a project. The group was denied following a similar submission last year.

Larson noted seniors across her riding were looking for affordable spaces to live within their communities.

Siddon says the project has been on the minds of the society since 2007. The complex will be built on four lots located on Willow Street behind the legion, three of which were gifted to the legion and one to the Catholic Church by a former resident of the community.

Negotiations for purchase of the lot from the church are taking place, following which one parcel will be created from the four lots, he says. The land will then be leased to the project by the legion, who will hold title.

Siddon expects ground to be broken sometime in late March or early April of 2017. Total cost of the project is estimated at $6 million. He says the housing society will have jurisdiction over applicants, noting a previous study indicated there is already 35 residents in the community who would be eligible for tenancy. He said the project will provide a revenue stream for the legion, who will also have priority over selection of some of the suites for their members.

Okanagan Falls resident Shirley O’Connor, on hand for today’s announcement at the Okanagan Falls Legion, said she was excited about the prospect of the new facility, noting its central location and close proximity to social institutions such as the legion and the seniors hall, asdding she will be applying for a unit.

Larson was also in Keremeos later in the day to announce $3.1 million in funding to expand and renovate Mountain View Manor, a senior’s facility in that community.

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