Seniors and people with disabilities in Pemberton now have increased access to affordable housing at Pemberton Villas, a new 22 modular unit building funded by the governments of Canada and British Columbia along with community partners.
"Pemberton is a fast-growing community and, as such, we saw a need for more affordable housing for our aging senior population," said Village of Pemberton Mayor Jordan Sturdy. "The Village of Pemberton saw a opportunity to work with our government partners and the Pemberton Lions Activities Society to bring in new, affordable housing for our seniors in the Pemberton Valley area and we were happy to have contributed."
Through an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement, the federal and provincial governments contributed a combined total of approximately $3.6 million for the construction of 22 seniors' rental housing apartments. The Village of Pemberton provided $120,000 and waived $120,000 in development cost charges for this project. The Pemberton Lions Activities Society provided $100,000.
The Society will manage and operate the building along with the Lions Villa and the Seniors Activity Centre in Pemberton.
"Our group of dedicated volunteer Lions are delighted to add Pemberton Villas to the group of buildings we manage and operate for our area seniors and persons with disabilities in need," said Patrick Saintsbury, head of the board, Pemberton Lions Activities Society. "We are passionate about our work in supporting seniors in search of affordable housing in our community. I know that Pemberton Villas will serve our community of seniors well for decades to come."
Modular housing, such as The Pemberton Villas - located at 7420 Flint Street in Pemberton - has been used extensively for seniors' rental housing developments as it allows construction to take place in a factory with less dependence on weather conditions. The modular units meet EnerGuide 80 standards and are designed to be easily accessible for seniors and people with disabilities. This includes room sizes that allow for wheelchair access and manoeuvring, shelves and light switches at an accessible height and bathroom grab bars or step-in showers.
The estimated capital cost of Pemberton Villas is approximately $4 million.
