Congratulations to Elkford Housing Society (EHS), the second recipient of $10,000 from the $50,000 Legacy Campaign as the third and final part of its 70 Year $115,000 Celebration!

EKC’s Board of Directors initiated the celebration in honour of its 70th Anniversary. Its purpose is to continue support for strong, local communities and support community groups who have felt the impact of COVID-19.

The lack of safe and accessible housing has led to seniors leaving Elkford as they age.

The Elkford Housing Society (EHS) was incorporated in 2018 with the vision to provide residents of Elkford with housing options that allow residents to remain in Elkford for as long as they desire regardless of socio-economic status or age. They recognize safe, affordable, and accessible housing for seniors would make Elkford a better place to live.

In December 2020, the Elkford Housing Society application was approved by BC Housing with a 60-year operating agreement. This commitment is the first of this length and will ensure that the Elkford Senior Housing will remain an essential part of our community.

The three-story apartment block will start construction this spring and contain units for accessible independent living. The units will combine deep subsidy units, rent geared to income, and rent slightly below market. This mixed unit configuration will allow renters of all income levels the opportunity to become tenants.

The building will contain 16 one-bedroom units, six two-bedroom units, Elkford’s first elevator, underground parking, shared spaces, in-house laundry, parking for motorized scooters, individual storage spaces, and on-site part-time management.

All common areas will be barrier-free, allowing residents easy access and providing an opportunity for socialization. The building will meet or exceed the current environmental step code.

Also, it will meet or exceed all provincial, national, and municipal building requirements and standards. Green technology will be applied in the construction and ongoing operation of our building.

The EKC Legacy Campaign looks forward to supporting three more recipients in 2021.

EKC’s Positive Contributions Campaign from 2020 gave back $20,000 last fall. Each of the following groups received $2,500:

Branch Out Society in Fernie;

Michel-Natal Branch #081 in Sparwood;

Caregivers Network for the East Kootenay Seniors in Cranbrook;

Wapiti Ski Club in Elkford;

Twin Meadows Animal Rescue Society in Fernie;

Sparwood Community Response Network in Sparwood;

Computer Donation Program in Cranbrook;

Elkford Housing Society in Elkford.

EKC’s December 14th Anniversary Donations gave back $45,000. Each of the following groups received $15,000:

The Foundry East Kootenay supported by East Kootenay Foundation for Health and Ktunaxa Kinbasket Child and Family Services;

KEYSA’s Multi-Sport Indoor Facility;

Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies to support Cranbrook’s Salvation Army food program.

Like in 1950, when the credit union first opened, EKC’s Board of Directors believes there is a better way to bank. As a local, strong credit union, EKC is here for its members and their communities.

Lead image: (L-R) Shawna, Elkford Branch Manager; Stephen Fairbairn, Director at EKC and also Secretary of the Elkford Housing Society; Kim Bauer, Vice President, Elkford Housing Society; Donita Orsten, Staff Representative of the Legacy Celebration Committee. Photo submitted

EKC

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