Affordable Housing for Seniors in Chester
More than 35 seniors have moved into new affordable homes in the Shoreham Village seniors' complex in Chester thanks to funding from the Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Agreement.
Judy Streatch, Minister of Community Services, and Gerald Keddy, member of Parliament on behalf of Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, opened the new affordable rental housing today, Oct. 27.
The ceremony included a ribbon cutting and the unveiling of two new street names, Saunders Court and Youden Lane, to recognize Joe Saunders and Bob Youden for their leadership and efforts to expand this seniors' community.
"We're pleased to create more affordable homes in Chester so seniors can remain in the community and live near their loved ones," said Ms. Streatch. "Our investment in Shoreham Village supports our efforts to create affordable homes in the province. Shoreham provides good quality, affordable homes that allow residents to live in a secure and quiet community setting."
Through the Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Agreement, the federal government provided $400,000 in capital, and the province committed $96,000 in rent supplement funding.
"Seniors in Chester now have access to more safe, quality, affordable housing that meets their specific needs," said Mr. Keddy. "Canada's government is proud of the work we have done with our partners to help seniors live with independence and dignity, close to their family and friends."
The new affordable housing in the Shoreham Village seniors' complex features 24 apartments in two buildings. Each building has 12 two-bedroom apartments and a total of 16 affordable housing units. All buildings have an elevator, laundry room, and a lounge area.
Shoreham Village is located on 14 acres of land with grounds similar to a campus setting. It consists of several living options including a Home for the Aged, an independent living seniors' apartment and assisted living suites and apartments.
"Shoreham Village Senior Citizens' Association is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older persons. Given that our aging population is increasing at a rapid rate, we see the establishment of this new housing project as a significant contribution to the quality of life for older persons in Chester Municipality and beyond," said Robert St. Laurent, vice-chair of the board of directors, chair of the building committee. "We are proud to be a partner with both the federal and provincial governments in making this important initiative a reality for our community."
As of March 31, $37.3 million has been committed by the federal government, the provincial government and its partners for the construction or renovation of more than 900 units in the province. A total of $56.2 million will be available under the Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Agreement by 2009.
Information on the Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Agreement is available at local housing services offices or on the Department of Community Services website at www.gov.ns.ca/coms .