Work on a new senior’s housing complex in Elkford will likely begin in the coming months, and Mayor Steve Fairbairn is excited for construction to begin.
“We have a number of people who have been very patient. They see it as the next step in their accommodations,” said Fairbairn. “I’m really excited for the (Elkford Housing Society), they put in an awful lot of work and jumped through amazing hurdles. To see them getting this close is really cool.”
Fairbairn said Elkford’s senior population has been faced with a number of challenges over the years.
“There have been very few opportunities for seniors to move out of their houses they’re in now, that may be too big, and into a place where there’s less maintenance,” said Fairbairn. “It’ll be life-changing for some people in town.”
The new Elkford Senior’s Housing Project on the horizon will also have an effect on the market for other residents as well.
“Every large house that’s occupied by one person that comes on the market, helps to address our homes for families issue,” said Fairbairn.
Fairbairn said the new housing project will have larger positive implications on the community as a whole as well.
“I think it will have a positive impact on our ability to support the long-term stability of our medical services in town and a new model of primary care delivery,” said Fairbairn. “THe needs and desires are shifting as the population profile changes, and since they’re going to be next door, it’ll be a good motivator for Interior Health to support us.”
The mayor said about 25 per cent of Elkford’s population is seniors.
