Minister Announces New Elevator for Seniors' Building

COMMUNITY SERVICES--Minister Announces New Elevator for Seniors' Building

Seniors living in the Captain William Spry Lodge in Spryfield will soon have improved access to their apartments with the installation of a new elevator, Community Services Minister David Morse announced today, Jan. 15.

"We are committed to enhancing the quality of life for seniors by helping them remain in their homes for as long as possible," said Mr. Morse. "We know people's physical abilities can change over time and are pleased to make this improvement to the Captain William Spry Lodge."

A tender for the construction of the new elevator at the Captain William Spry Lodge will be issued shortly and the elevator is expected to be in operation by late summer. The cost to install the new elevator is estimated at about $125,000. Halifax Regional Municipality councillor Steve Adams is providing a $10,000 contribution from his community funds budget.

"Most seniors in our buildings can now access their apartments without using the stairs," said Mr. Morse. "We try to accommodate those who have difficulty using the stairs with ground-floor units but felt the installation of an elevator was justified in this case."

The Department of Community Services - through seven Housing Authorities across the province - provides accommodation for about 9,000 seniors in 476 buildings across Nova Scotia.