New affordable housing for seniors breaks ground

A new Brocklehurst apartment set to provide 20 units to low-to-moderate income seniors is under construction in Kamloops.

The four-storey development is part of the larger RiverBend Seniors Community complex – located on Mayfair Street – will contain a total of 101 units.

The affordable housing units at Mayfair at Riverbend Seniors Community are being made possible through a partnership between the B.C. Government ($2.1-million), River City Seniors Society and Mayfair Developments.

Mayor Peter Milobar says, “the project addresses important community needs in Kamloops by supporting our aging population and expanding our inventory of affordable housing. We are excited to see the transformation of this part of our city as the RiverBend community grows."

He is not alone in wanting to support the aging population. Environment minister Terry Lake believes the project addresses important community needs by supporting the aging population by expanding affordable housing inventory.

Construction has begun and is expected to be complete by summer 2014.

Quick Facts:

Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $3.2 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families. This year, more than 97,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial housing programs and services.
In 2011-12, the B.C. government invested over $7.5 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for more than 1,800 Kamloops households.
Under BC's Family Agenda, government is committed to improving housing for low-income families, seniors and people experiencing homelessness.
Mayfair will feature a total of 101 apartments for seniors on four floors.
Age-in-place support services including optional meals, cleaning and laundry services will be available to all residents.
Shared facilities and programs will be available within the RiverBend Seniors Community.

To contact a reporter for this story, email jstahn@infotelnews.ca or call (250) 819-3723.