ASSISTED LIVING UNITS OPEN FOR GOLDEN SENIORS

September 4th, 2008

GOLDEN – Federal, provincial and community partners gathered today for the official opening of Golden Community Resources Society’s Mountain View, a $3-million assisted living development for seniors in Golden.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in British Columbia and across Canada for those who need it most,” said Jim Abbott, MP for Kootenay-Columbia, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. “With the opening of this project, seniors and people with disabilities in Golden will now have access to quality, affordable rental housing and services to meet their specific needs, while remaining close to their families and friends.”

Mountain View has eight assisted living units funded under Independent Living BC, a housing-for-health program for seniors and people with disabilities. The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), provided $400,000 under the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement. Assisted living homes are self-contained apartments with a 24-hour response system. Residents receive personal care services, such as recreational opportunities and assistance with medications, housekeeping, meals, and laundry services.

“Innovative housing projects like Mountain View improve the quality of life and level of independence for seniors in our communities,” said Rich Coleman, Minister for Housing and Social Development. “Our objective is to ensure the elderly and people with disabilities get the assistance with daily living that they need, while maintaining their comfort and dignity.”

Interior Health provided land and associated costs as part of a long-term lease agreement and will be providing funding for hospitality and personal care services.

“Seniors in our communities tell us that safe and affordable housing options are needed to allow them to live independently for as long as they can,” said Karen Bloemink, Interior Health’s home and community care program administrator for the East Kootenay. “In addition to assistance with medications and mobility, social and recreational opportunities for residents will positively impact their overall health.”

“Golden’s seniors need more options to live independently as they age,” said Mayor Jim Doyle, Town of Golden. “By adding assisted living, we are ensuring that Golden remains an affordable and livable city at any age or care level.”

Golden Community Resources Society manages and operates Mountain View by providing a full spectrum of quality services for seniors. The continuum of care helps seniors age in place and offers a wide range of housing and care alternatives.

“Mountain View will provide this community with eight safe and affordable homes for seniors,” said Tricia Bowness of the Golden Community Resource Society. “The development is an innovative and progressive model of housing and care and we’re pleased to welcome residents.”

These units are part of the British Columbia government’s commitment to provide 5,000 net-new residential care beds, assisted living units, supportive housing and home support by the end of 2008.

The Province of British Columbia is committed to providing more than 4,000 affordable assisted living apartments for B.C. seniors and persons with disabilities. To date, more than 3,900 have been allocated in communities across the province. Through the provincial housing strategy, Housing Matters BC, the Province is investing more than $400 million in shelters and affordable housing this year, three times as much as in 2001.

The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, will contribute more than $130 million by 2010 towards affordable housing in this province. The provincial government will provide a minimum of $34 million annually to subsidize the cost of units built under the Canada-BC Affordable Housing Agreement, as part of a larger strategy to provide a range of housing options for British Columbians in greatest need.

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BACKGROUNDER
MOUNTAIN VIEW

Mountain View, at 750 8th Avenue in Golden, is a one-storey wood-framed building with eight assisted living units funded under Independent Living BC (ILBC).

The units are spacious one-bedroom suites and are wheelchair accessible to accommodate aging in place and persons with disabilities. The new development also includes a dining room lounge and amenities room.

Residents receive a full spectrum of quality services including two meals per day, laundry, general housekeeping, personal care services, 24-hour response, and social and recreational opportunities. Residents pay 70 per cent of their after-tax income for their units and services.

Mountain View is currently fully occupied.

PARTNER CONTRIBUTIONS
The total capital cost of this project was $3,430,672:

The Province provided $2,730,672 in the form of a mortgage.
The federal government, through CMHC, provided $400,000.
Interior Health provided the land and associated costs as part of a long-term lease agreement.

The operational budget:

The Province will provide housing subsidies of up to $2,351,099 over 35 years.
Interior Health will provide funding at approximately $228,270 annually to subsidize the cost of personal care and hospitality services to tenants.

GOLDEN COMMUNITY RESOURCES SOCIETY
The Golden Community Resources Society has 30 years of experience in the development of a range of community social programming. The society operates 13 community-based programs. Mountain View is their first venture into providing assisted living care to senior residents in Golden.

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Media contacts:
Rhonda Nguyen
BC Housing
604-439-4740
604-374-8301 (cell)

Christina Wensley
Regional Events Coordinator
CMHC
604-737-4032

Jennifer Henkes
Interior Health Authority
250-420-2404
250-417-9674 (cell)

Tricia Bowness
Golden Community Resources Society
250-344-5413

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