The Trust supports emergency backup systems to keep essential services running

Seniors’ housing facilities around the Basin will soon be better equipped to ensure safety and comfort during prolonged power disruptions. Columbia Basin Trust is supporting organizations in rural communities that are prone to power outages to purchase and install backup power systems. These upgrades will help maintain essential services—such as heating, cooling, ventilation and medical equipment—even when the grid goes down.

“By providing funding for backup power systems, we are directly helping seniors’ housing facilities remain safe and operational during power outages,” said Ulli Mueller, Senior Manager, Delivery of Benefits, Columbia Basin Trust. “These projects ensure that essential services like heating, cooling and medical equipment continue running when they are needed most, offering peace of mind to residents.”

With over $2.3 million in Trust support, these projects will enhance emergency readiness for 141 seniors’ affordable rental housing units in four communities across the Basin.

Enhancing Senior Safety with Critical Backup Power

Elk Valley Seniors Housing Society is improving the emergency readiness of 43 affordable rental housing units at Lilac Terrace in Sparwood by installing a backup power system. By strengthening the facility’s resilience, the society is better equipped to safeguard the well-being of seniors in the community.

“Power outages can be particularly challenging for senior housing facilities, where health and safety are always top of mind, said Melissa McDougall, Building Administrator, Elk Valley Seniors Housing Society. “This backup power solution will make a world of difference in our ability to continue providing vital services, such as heating, cooling and medical care, without interruption.”

Strengthening Emergency Readiness with Backup Power

Kaslo and District Senior Citizen’s Shelter Society is installing a backup power system at Abbey Manor in Kaslo. This project will enhance the emergency readiness of 10 affordable rental housing units, ensuring that essential services will remain operational during power outages.

“Having reliable backup power is absolutely critical for our senior facility,” said Phil Trotter, Board Member, Kaslo and District Senior Citizen’s Shelter Society.

“Our facility operates specialized equipment for residents, and without power, we would be unable to provide the care they need. This support ensures we can maintain a safe and comfortable environment during extended power outages.”

Columbia Basin Trust supports the efforts of the people in the Columbia Basin. To learn more about the Trust’s programs and initiatives, and how it helps deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the Basin, visitourtrust.org or call 1-800-505-8998.

Lead image: Lilac Terrace in Sparwood, home to 43 affordable seniors’ units, will soon have a backup generator installed with support from Columbia Basin Trust to maintain essential services during emergencies.e-KNOW file photo

Columbia Basin Trust

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