The province’s construction industry is one of the strongest contributors to our robust economic growth, but it’s not all focused on building condominiums for young urban dwellers. Seniors are asking for affordable housing that gives them greater independence, choice and quality of life, while addressing their increasing care needs. As a result of the Independent Living BC program, thousands of new apartments for low-income seniors are being built, new developments that will offer tenants an atmosphere that fosters community and friendships.

Created in 2002, Independent Living BC is a partnership between the province, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, regional health authorities, and the non-profit and private sectors. Close to 1,000 new Independent Living BC units have now been built as part of the recent construction boom, with 2,400 currently under construction or in development, with more to come. Independent Living BC plans to create at least 3,500 units.

“We’re making significant progress toward our goal, and making sure that seniors in B.C. have the best system of support in Canada,” said Rich Coleman, Minister of Forests and Range and Minister Responsible for Housing. “Providing low-income seniors with affordable assisted living apartments helps to expand the range of housing options, and provides an opportunity for them to remain close to family and friends in the communities they helped to build.”

Independent Living BC is a housing-for-health program—an affordable middle option between home support and residential care for seniors and people with disabilities. Up until recently, assisted living was out of reach financially for many lower-income seniors and their families. The province subsidizes rents though the ILBC program so lower-income seniors have access to the benefits of assisted living, and the regional health authorities fund a range of support and personal care services.

These new developments are more home-like, offering residents an affordable, independent lifestyle complete with private apartments, nutritious meals in a common dining room, laundry and housekeeping, and a choice of social and recreational opportunities with families and friends. Residents also have access to personal care services such as help with medications and mobility, as well as a 24-hour response system.

The majority of the 3,500 Independent Living BC units are being developed with non-profit societies through the construction of new developments or the conversion of existing facilities. Canada’s housing agency, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), on behalf of the Government of Canada, is helping to administer the new capital costs of developing the non-profit units under the Canada – British Columbia Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

“CMHC, on behalf of the Federal Government, is committed to working with the Province as well as other levels of government and community organizations to provide an integrated approach to care for the vulnerable members of society,” said Nelson Merizzi, General Manager, BC Region, CMHC. “In addition to the $230 million provided annually through existing housing programs that benefit some 74,000 lower-income households in B.C., we are pleased to be working with our multiple government and community partners administering the Federal Government’s additional $130-million contribution towards new affordable housing in this province by 2008.”

Other Independent Living BC homes will be provided through rent supplements by the provincial government to people living in for profit assisted living developments. Residents rent these apartments and receive appropriate support services for 70 per cent of their after-tax income.

In 2005, openings and groundbreakings have been held in communities across the province including Vancouver, North Vancouver, Surrey, Delta, Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Victoria, Saanich, Sidney, Salt Spring Island, Ucluelet, Gibsons, Powell River, Kelowna, Vernon, Westbank, Lake Country, Penticton, Keremeos, Kimberley, Creston, Burns Lake, Hazelton, and Fort St. James. These are in addition to developments already open in other cities and towns across B.C.