Seniors and people living with disabilities in Elkford now have access to 25 new, affordable rental homes with the opening of a new development.

The provincial government, through BC Housing, provided approximately $2.8 million to build accessible and adaptable units in a new, four-storey building. The homes at 214 Alpine Way near the downtown core will support the diverse needs of seniors and people with disabilities to live in comfort and dignity, and remain close to their friends and families.

The building has 25 one-bedroom homes, including three accessible and 22 adaptable units. Operated by the Elkford Housing Society (EHS), rent for the homes range from $445 to $1,300 a month, depending on the applicant’s income.

“After several years of planning and building, the Elkford Housing Society is excited to welcome tenants to the Elkford Senior Housing,” said EHS Chair Dean McKerracher. “The society wishes to thank all of the partners who worked with the society for making the Elkford Senior Housing a reality.”

“Seniors and people living with disabilities deserve to live in a stable environment, and by building accessible, adaptable homes in Elkford, we are ensuring that we are building housing for everyone,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “This is another example of how our government is building homes at a historic rate and providing accessible and affordable options for seniors to age in the community they love.”

This development is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has helped build nearly 92,000 homes that have been delivered or are underway, including more than 600 homes in the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK).

District of Elkford Mayor Steve Fairbairn stated: “The new seniors’ housing complex benefits our seniors and therefore the entire community. It creates more housing options and helps make Elkford a place where more people can live with dignity, comfort and connection. The District of Elkford is proud to support this project.”

“These new homes will make a real difference for seniors and people with disabilities in Elkford. This project reflects what’s possible when local leaders and committed partners come together to address a long-standing problem in their community,” said Johnny Strilaeff, president and CEO of Columbia Basin Trust.

RDEK Board Chair Rob Gay added, “The RDEK is proud to have been a funding partner on this project. In rural towns like Elkford, facilities like this are critical. This building will help seniors and people with disabilities stay in their community, close to the family, friends and familiar surroundings that matter most.”

How funding played out for the new homes (as per B.C. Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs):

* The province, through BC Housing, provided nearly $2.8 million through a Building BC: Community Housing Fund grant for the development.

* A joint contribution of approximately $975,000, through the Canada-British Columbia Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy, also went toward the development.

* A total of $12,676,665 From the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Affordable Housing Fund:
* A repayable loan of as much as $10,801,665, secured by a first priority mortgage, and

* A forgivable loan of as much as $1,875,000, secured by a third priority mortgage;

* Columbia Basin Trust provided approximately $650,000 for capital expenses and $85,000 for a ground-mount solar array system.

* The Regional District of East Kootenay provided approximately $520,000.

Other contributions include:
* The District of Elkford provided nearly $29,000 in in-kind assistance;

* Teck Coal Ltd. provided $1 million, as well as an in-kind land donation, valued at approximately $450,000;

* Elk Valley Thrift Shop provided $10,000 in donation; and

* Community fundraising donation of more than $84,000.

Lead image: Artist rendering of the front of the Elkford Housing Society project. BC Housing image

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