On Monday, Summerland council committed $1.5 million towards an 81-unit affordable housing complex for seniors.
The proposed housing project would be located on Dickinson Avenue where the existing Legion Village is located, which is near the district’s downtown core.
Parkland Place Housing Society (PPHS) is preparing their application to BC Housing, which is expected to be submitted in spring 2023 and requires significant support from the District of Summerland.
“I can tell you that, without the district’s involvement, the strength of the project, going to BC Housing, is’t as strong,” said Ian McIntosh, chair of PPHS, in his address to council members.
“In this day and age, it’s just impossible to build housing and make it affordable without people helping out, it's just not going to happen. So if we want it in Summerland, I would say you have to participate. If that's not something that you can do, I understand that but it would definitely jeopardize the project.”
The society already operates two other facilities for seniors and people with disabilities. They also have a waitlist of more than 120 people waiting for affordable housing.
When council adopted amendments to change the future land use and zoning in September, they also agreed that the building will include a primary health centre.
“People born and raised in Summerland can’t get a family doctor. It’s a crisis. It’s a crisis all over British Columbia. It’s a crisis all over Canada,” said councillor Marty Van Alphen.
“Here is an opportunity that we, as a community, can step forward, hopefully, help with this health care crisis plus an affordable housing model. I know it’s 55+ but it’s a start.”
Councillor Erin Trainer was supportive of the project and said Parkdale has been successful with their other affordable housing facilities.
“Parkdale has been around for a long time and they’ve really proven themselves in Summerland and they have something that’s ready to go,” said councillor Trainer.
“Over my eight years on council we’ve talked about affordable housing a lot and projects have come and gone and they never really get to this point. I feel like this one is finally one that’s so close.”
Councillor Richard Barkwill was the lone councillor who was against the request due to the cost.
“It’s just too much. I mean it’s a great project. I don’t want anybody to think I don’t think it's a great project,” explained councillor Barkwill.
“That’s a large amount of money that our council has never come close to contributing to anything for in the past. I agree that we should contribute something but that’s too much for me.”
Ultimately, Summerland council agreed to partner with PPHS for the project and will be waiving the development cost charges, building permits, tipping fees for demolition and covering the off-site improvements.
