A Nanaimo seniors housing building is a few months away from opening, and this week the federal government announced its contribution to the project.
Sunfield Manor on Seafield Crescent will create 62 new rental units for moderate- and low-income seniors in Nanaimo, according to a press release from the federal government. The release noted that the feds are providing $2.7 million through the national housing co-investment fund, to go with the $6.6 million previously announced through the provincial government’s Building B.C. community housing fund. The Woodgrove Senior Citizens Housing Society provided $1.2 million in land equity and $200,000 in capital funding, the City of Nanaimo waived $189,000 in development fees and the province has promised $268,000 in annual operating funding.
Ahmed Hussen, federal minister of housing, said the project is an example of the government’s national housing strategy in action.
“Initiatives like this one provide safe, affordable and accessible housing options to seniors in their communities, allowing them to maintain their independence and well-being,” he said in the release.
The five-storey building at 1125 Seafield Cres. – close to the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and shops and services and accessible by public transit – will be operated by the Woodgrove seniors society. It will include 58 one-bedroom apartments and four two-bedroom apartments, most with a patio or deck, and shared amenity space. Twelve of the units are fully accessible with the remaining being adaptable.
All of the 62 units are below market rent, with 20 per cent at “shelter” rates, 30 per cent considered “low-end-of-market” units, and 50 per cent tied to income. There will be no rent increases unless a tenant’s income or household size changes.
Once complete, tenants will move into the new building from an existing 30-unit building, which will be demolished. Tenants are expected to start moving into their new homes in summer 2023.
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chris.bush@nanaimobulletin.com
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