Although work has been underway for some time, we now know the name of the new 33-unit affordable housing development being built in Nelson, as well as all the funding partners.
A list released last week revealed five groups are providing money for the Anderson Gardens project.
The federal and provincial governments are contributing $1.5 million each towards the construction of 20 seniors’ apartments.
The province is providing a further $3.2 million for the remaining 13 apartments, and land worth $675,000.
Further funders are the Columbia Basin Trust ($150,000), the Real Estate Foundation of BC ($175,000), and the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Kootenay branch ($250,000), which will also manage and operate the facility. The total capital cost is about $7.5 million.
“This development provides Nelson seniors with quality, affordable housing, but more importantly it gives them peace of mind that their housing needs are met so they can focus on things that matter most to them,” Wally Eddy, board chair of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Kootenay branch said in a news release.
“I would like to thank all partners involved and I eagerly look towards the opening.”
The three-storey complex, being built at 302 Anderson Street, has been in the works for a long time.
The city rezoned the property in 2008, but the project then stalled for lack of money.
Site preparation began last May with the demolition of the old school board office. The Canadian Mental Health Association also appeared before city council, asking them to write off more than $170,000 in building fees and waive property taxes.
Construction began in earnest last fall and is expected to be finished this summer.
The units are intended for seniors at risk of homelessness and people with disabilities. Each 430-square foot unit will include a large bathroom, small kitchen, living room, and storage space.