Milestone For ILBC Program

On April 22, 2002, the Province announced its intention to develop 3,500 supportive living units throughout B.C. for seniors and people with disabilities with low to modest incomes. Independent Living BC (ILBC) has gone on to create more than 4,300 assisted living apartments. ILBC became BC Housing’s flagship program, involving strong partnerships with regional health authorities, Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation, and both private and non-profit housing providers.

The program met a significant milestone on March 15, 2011 with the groundbreaking of its final development: Cowichan Elders, a 50-unit site in Duncan to be operated by M’akola Housing Society.

“The ILBC program has provided an important link in the housing continuum,” said BC Housing Vice President Craig Crawford. “These units bridge the gap between independent housing and residential care. Tenants are able to retain their privacy and dignity while enjoying the supports they need as they age. The Cowichan Elders groundbreaking brings to a close our commitment to provide assisted living options to B.C. seniors and people with disabilities.”

Cowichan Elders will be a four-storey concrete and wood-frame building providing 46 one-bedroom apartments and four two-bedroom apartments. Amenity spaces in the building will include a reception area, offices, a dining room, crafts room, podiatry/hair salon, TV room, lounge and a kitchen and food preparation area. The building will be constructed to meet LEED Silver standards and is expected to be complete in early 2012.