Construction on a new 28-unit affordable housing development for families and seniors broke ground in Salmo on Thursday.
The provincial and federal governments will provide a combined investment of just under $1.3 million, while the Columbia Basin Trust will provide an equal amount. The BC government will also provide interim construction financing of nearly $2.6 million. The Salmo and Area Supportive Housing Society has provided land valued at approximately $106,000 and equity of nearly $42,500. The total capital cost of this project is approximately $5.34 million.
“I admire the determination and perseverance of the community of Salmo who are now witnessing a great idea materialize into a modern building to house families and seniors,” Neil Muth, president and chief executive officer of the Columbia Basin Trust, said in a news release. This initiative is a key part of improving the well-being of residents in the Columbia Basin.”
Located at 730 Railway Avenue, the new affordable housing site will consist of a two-storey, 20-unit apartment building for seniors and eight townhouses for families.
The apartment building will also include a common lounge, dining area, kitchen, laundry room and office space. The townhouses will be four two-bedroom units and four three-bedroom units.
The supportive housing society will own and manage the development.
“This project has been 25 years in the making and today’s groundbreaking marks a milestone for us and this community,” said Phil Berukoff, the society's chair and executive director. In addition to thanking the project funders, he acknowledged strong community support.
The non-profit housing society was founded in 2002 to support affordable housing initiatives in Salmo and area. It currently operations Salmo Valley Villa, a 24-unit seniors housing complex.