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25 affordable rental homes coming to Elkford
Seniors and people living with disabilities in Elkford will soon have access to 25 affordable rental homes with construction underway on a new development.
The four-storey building at 214 Alpine Way will contain 25 one-bedroom units, all accessible or adaptable to accommodate residents’ current and changing accessibility needs. The project will also include ground-mounted solar panels to help produce additional power.
The project is the result of a partnership between federal and provincial governments, the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK), the District of Elkford, the Columbia Basin Trust, Teck Coal Limited (Teck) and the Elkford Housing Society, which will operate the building.
The site is located within one kilometre of the downtown core and essential services, including a grocery store, pharmacy, park and library, as well as the Elkford Medical Centre. Construction of the new homes is expected to be complete in 2025.
“These accessible and adaptable homes will allow seniors and people living with disabilities to live comfortably and independently, close to friends and family,” said Ravi Kahlon, B.C.’s Minister of Housing. “Through our Homes for People action plan, we’re delivering thousands of homes across the province that meet the diverse needs of renters, and more are on the way.”
“This project is going to help get homes built for seniors in Elkford that they can afford and create options for those with disabilities, so they can live in the community they call home,” said Sean Fraser, federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
“After years of planning by the Elkford Housing Society, we’re thrilled to see this project underway. The district strongly supports purpose-built, affordable rental housing and housing for seniors in our community, and this project is a prime example of the development we’re hoping to see in our growing downtown area,” stated District of Elkford Mayor Steve Fairbairn.
“We recognize the importance of creating safe and comfortable spaces for our seniors to call home, while enjoying all the benefits that come with staying in their community. We are proud to be a funding partner on this initiative and to see construction underway on this vibrant, accessible housing project in Elkford,” said Thomas McDonald, RDEK Electoral Area A Director.
“The Elkford Housing Society is very excited about our partnership with BC Housing, the Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation, Columbia Basin Trust, District of Elkford, Regional District of East Kootenay and Teck to provide 25 units of barrier-free housing for seniors and people with disabilities in Elkford. The society is pleased that this housing will allow seniors and people living with disabilities to remain in Elkford as they age,” said Kim Bauer, vice-president, Elkford Housing Society.
The province, through BC Housing, provided approximately $2.8 million to the project from the Building BC: Community Housing Fund.
The federal government provided $12.7 million through the Affordable Housing Fund.
The Canada-British Columbia Bilateral Agreement provided $975,000 in joint funding under the National Housing Strategy.
Columbia Basin Trust provided approximately $670,000, while the RDEK provided approximately $500,000 and District of Elkford provided approximately $200,000 in in-kind assistance.
“Access to affordable rental housing is a pressing issue, which is why the trust has prioritized supporting communities, like Elkford, to create housing that meets their needs. We’re excited to support construction-related training opportunities and see solar arrays and high-speed fibre installed for the 25 finished units. Congratulations to the Elkford Housing Society and to all the partners for their commitment to making this project a reality,” said Johnny Strilaeff, president and CEO, Columbia Basin Trust.
Teck provided $1 million, as well as an in-kind land donation, valued at approximately $400,000.
“Teck is proud to have contributed funding and land toward the construction of the Elkford seniors housing project. We are committed to working with project partners and stakeholders alike to help support much-needed rental units for residents to continue living in Elkford, a place many call home,” noted Robin Sheremeta, president, coal business unit, Teck.
Lead image: A view from the 214 Alpine Way property. e-KNOW file photo
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