Time to celebrate! The Slocan City Suites will be fully occupied by the end of the year, so the Slocan Valley Seniors’ Housing Society is giving supporters a sneak peek next month, on September 27, before tenants move in.
Following the theme of the three day Hike or Bike for Housing that raised $40,000 two years ago, this will be a Hike to Housing. Starting at the Legion at 5:30, participants will parade to Slocan City Suites with bagpipes, banners, bandanas, and Betty Windsor in hiking togs and plastic crown. At the suites, they’ll hear a few words from MLA Katrine Conroy (who trekked with her grandchildren on the big hike), major funders BC Housing and Columbia Basin Trust (the Trust) as well as Mayor Jessica Lunn and RDCK director Walter Popoff. Then they’ll tour the suites and head back to the Legion for cake and celebration.
It’s such an exciting time; the culmination of years of work by hundreds of people, and the organizers say it’s time to thank the entire vast community who has made this happen; from the fundraisers and funders to the construction workers, to the village for all its help, and to the people who just never gave up, no matter the stress or grind.
“Making sure seniors have access to secure housing they can afford is a priority for this government,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “The opening of this important project means more seniors have a home to call their own in the Village of Slocan.”
Eric Clough of Winlaw designed the suites, which are built by NDB Construction, with Tamara Smith coordinating the whole project on behalf of the society. The 12 units include eight one-bedroom units with lofts,two studios with lofts, and two two bedroom units. (The society is still looking for a tenant who could use the emenities of a disability suite; contact us if you’re interested.)
These 12 affordable suites are built with energy efficiency in mind, as well as being aesthetically pleasing and set in the midst of a beautiful village with many amenities close by.
The seniors’ housing society also built and continues to operate the 10 unit Passmore Lodge, which opened in 1999. While working flat out to make Slocan City Suites a reality, the board and administrator Nora Lilligren have worked to maintain and improve Passmore Lodge, obtaining several grants for energy efficiency, outreach programs, and ongoing work on the grounds.
The society’s AGM will follow the celebration at the Legion, for those who wish to stay. The hard-working board will report on all its activities for the year, and conduct the usual annual election. In order to vote, new members must obtain their $5 membership by August 29. Current members may renew at the meeting.
You can read the article in the Valley Voice (page 3) from the PDF below: