PROVINCE FUNDS NEW SENIOR'S HOUSING ON CORTES ISLAND

VICTORIA – A $380,000 grant from the Province’s Housing Endowment Fund is enabling the Cortes Island Seniors Society to begin the construction of six new cottages for seniors.

“These homes will provide Islanders with high quality and affordable seniors’ housing,” said Minister responsible for Housing, Rich Coleman. “The Province invested $250 million in the Housing Endowment Fund so organizations such as the Cortes Island Seniors Society can try innovative new programs that are not traditionally available for funding.”

The six cottages are being built on a site owned by the Cortes Island Seniors Society and will offer affordable housing for low to moderate income seniors. Construction is anticipated to be complete by April 2009. Support services will be provided by the community and the society anticipates local volunteer support in the construction of these units.

“Our partnership with the Province will allow us to effectively support the seniors in our community,” said Susan Ellingsen, president of the society. “This project will give seniors the opportunity to live in the community they helped build. The Cortes community has banded together to make this project a reality.”

The $250-million Housing Endowment Fund was established in the 2007 provincial budget. The fund generates investment revenue of approximately $10 million a year, which is used to fund and support innovative housing solutions. Budget 2008 increased the amount the Province invests in affordable housing and shelters to more than $380 million a year, more than three times as much as in 2001.

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BACKGROUNDER:
CORTES ISLAND SENIORS SOCIETY 

Construction has begun on six cottages at 951 Beasley Road, a one-hectare property owned by the Cortes Island Seniors Society. Four of the cottages will be one-bedroom units and the other two will be bachelor cottages.

The cottages are single-storey, wood frame structures that have been specifically designed for seniors’ accessibility, as well as high energy efficiency and easy maintenance.

Support services will be provided by the community. The society’s long-term plan is to add two additional seniors’ housing units and an activity centre for seniors.

Partners and Funding:

The Cortes Island Seniors Society
The Cortes Island Seniors Society was incorporated in 1987 and currently has 140 members. The society sponsors a number of programs like “Seniors Helping Seniors” and local events like “Sandcastle Day”.

Media contacts:
Darija Tomasic
BC Housing
604-456-8845
604-374-8301

Michael Hoskin
Director
Cortes Island Seniors Society
250-935-6500