PORT ALBERNI – Construction is underway on an affordable rental housing building with 48 homes for seniors and Indigenous Elders in Port Alberni.
“On behalf of council for the City of Port Alberni, we would like to thank the Province for another significant investment into much needed housing in our community,” said Sharie Minions, mayor, City of Port Alberni. “Access to safe, secure and affordable housing is a basic foundational need on which people build their lives and is essential for us in building a complete and thriving community. We would also like to extend our thanks to the board and staff at WNHS (Westcoast Native Healthcare Society) for their many years of work on this project and their ongoing advocacy for housing needs in our area.”
Located at 6151 Russell Pl., the five-storey building will provide 45 one-bedroom and three two-bedroom homes for seniors and Indigenous Elders with low to moderate incomes. In addition to the 48 homes, the building will have amenity and laundry rooms, accessible washrooms and a community garden.
The Province, through BC Housing, is providing $5 million to the project through the Building BC: Community Housing Fund, as well as an annual operating subsidy of $302,335.
WNHS provided the land for the project and will own and operate the homes. The project is located on the Tsawaayuus (Rainbow Gardens) campus, a multi-level care facility for seniors in Port Alberni, operated by WNHS.
“The Westcoast Native Healthcare Society is committed to providing services to seniors in the Alberni Valley and surrounding communities,” said Darleen Watts, board president, WNHS. “This apartment complex will provide safe, affordable housing for seniors.”
People are expected to move into their new homes in summer 2022.
