Seniors in Baynes Lake celebrated the official opening of Spirit Pond Haven, a new affordable housing development for seniors and persons with disabilities in Baynes Lake on Friday.
The Spirit Pond Haven is a new development providing eight units of seniors housing, funded by the governments of Canada and British Columbia along with community partners.
"Our government's top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity," said David Wilks, Member of Parliament for Kootenay-Columbia. "Through investments in Spirit Pond Haven, we have helped to increase the number of affordable housing options for seniors in need of a hand up and contributed to the economic and social well-being of the entire community."
Through an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement, the federal and provincial governments contributed a combined total of over $1.1 million for the construction of eight seniors' rental housing apartments. The Regional District of East Kootenay provided the land, valued at $213,000. Columbia Basin Trust also contributed to the overall capital costs of this site. Spirit Pond Haven is managed and operated by the Baynes Lake Seniors Housing Society.
"The Regional District of East Kootenay is pleased that the Province had granted us the land so that we had it available to give to the society for the development of Spirit Pond Haven, providing seniors in our regional district with more affordable housing solutions they so richly deserve," says Heath Slee, director, Regional District of East Kootenay - Electoral Area B.
"Residents of Spirit Pond Haven have truly taken great pride in making these homes their own," said Doug Lyon, chairman, Baynes Lake Seniors Housing Society.
"We are thankful for the support from our government partners and the community that made these apartments possible. We look forward to many more anniversary celebrations here at Spirit Pond Haven for years to come."