The Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) is providing over $1.5 million to improve 33 seniors’ rental housing buildings across the region.
CBT officials say the grants will benefit over 1,000 affordable rental housing units across 27 communities.
Grants will be used to enhance the livability of non-profit seniors’ rental housing, fostering health, comfort and stronger community ties.
“Seniors are vital members of our communities, and it’s important to help them feel as comfortable and connected as possible in their local housing,” said Ulli Mueller, Delivery of Benefits Senior Manager.
“It’s rewarding to support these upgrades—from new furniture and exercise equipment to raised garden beds and accessibility enhancements—which create vibrant, welcoming spaces that encourage social participation increase physical activity and improve overall well-being.”
You can see a few examples of a few of the projects set to receive funding below.
Baynes Lake and Jaffray – South Country Housing Project Society – $20,700
The Trust says the South Country Housing Project Society will use its grant to make improvements at Spirit Pond Haven and Pinewood Manor.
Spirit Pond Haven’s upgrades will include raised garden beds, a refurbished gazebo and LED lighting to create an inviting outdoor gathering space.
Meanwhile, Pinewood Manor will will get upgrades to its common room with a new TV and activity table. The facility’s outdoor space will also get an upgrade with new outdoor furniture, a barbecue, and raised garden beds.
“Creating spaces that bring people together, encourage movement and foster a sense of community is essential for well-being,” said Katey Taylor, Building Manager for Baynes Lake Seniors Housing and South Country Housing Project Society.
“Sometimes it’s hard to form friendships later in life. These additions—from the activity table to the garden beds—will help residents stay engaged and socially connected.”
Rossland – Rossland Seniors Housing Society – $33,100
CBT officials say Esling Park Lodge in Rossland will have an upgrade to its common area to make it more inviting and functional.
This will include new furnishings such as stacking chairs, TV trays, a television, couches, an electric fireplace and a new fridge with a bottom freezer.
“The people who live at Esling are going to love these new upgrades,” said Bill Profili, Chair of the Rossland Seniors Housing Society.
“One of the cornerstones of any community is the opportunity to connect. These improvements will make our common space more inviting—whether for coffee meet-ups, movie nights or cheering on favourite teams during playoffs.”
Valemount – Valemount Senior Citizens Housing Society – $78,900
The Trust says the Valemount Senior Citizens Housing Society will split its grant between three affordable housing residences: Golden Years Lodge, Valemount House and the new Ash Street.
The Golden Years Lodge’s underused basement space will be renovated into a fitness area with a heat recovery ventilator and new exercise equipment.
The fitness area will be open to seniors from all three residences and others in the community.
“Getting the exercise room up and running was a priority for us,” said Rob Henniger, Building Manager for all three seniors’ residences.
“People here are active in the warmer months—gardening, walking—but they needed a safe way to stay active in the winter. This new space will support both physical health and social well-being.”
Valemount House, a townhouse community, will get new raised garden beds and outdoor gathering spaces to encourage year-round engagement.
At the new Ash Street residence, money will go towards purchasing furniture to create social spaces in the building’s hallways.
“These upgrades are huge for us,” said Donnie MacLean, Chair of the Valemount Seniors Housing Society.
“In this type of housing, it’s easy for people to become socially isolated. The fitness room, raised garden beds, gazebo and social cubes will encourage residents to step out of their homes, connect with each other, and feel more engaged in their community.”
You can find the rest of the projects set to receive funding here.
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