New Elevators to Improve Access for Seniors

NOTE: A list of seniors apartment buildings that will have elevators installed follows this news release.

Residents in seniors apartment buildings around Nova Scotia will find it easier to get around with the help of new elevators.

The province is investing more than $2 million to install elevators in 15 seniors apartment buildings, Community Services Minister Judy Streatch announced today, Sept. 4.

"Installing these elevators will support an improved quality of life for Nova Scotia seniors by providing easier and safer access to their homes," said Ms. Streatch.

The elevators will be installed over the next several months with each costing about $150,000. Thirteen buildings are two-storey complexes. The other two have three floors.

"Our government continues to work hard to ensure our seniors are living in accessible and affordable homes," said Ms. Streatch. "The elevators will make life much easier for our seniors who are having challenges climbing stairs and are not able to find other accommodations in the community."

All of the elevators should be installed by spring. The additional elevators will mean about 85 per cent of seniors units in Nova Scotia are accessible buildings.

The Department of Community Services, through seven housing authorities, provides homes for seniors in 7,700 housing units throughout Nova Scotia.

The following is a list of seniors apartment building that will have elevators installed:

1. 955 George St., Sydney

2. Buildings 1 & 2, 1 Beacon Cres., North Sydney

3. Lakeview Manor, Baddeck

4. Sunset Manor, Port Hawkesbury,

5. Woodbine Crest, New Glasgow

6. Coleraine Plaza, Pictou

7. Woodland Apartments, Wolfville

8. Centennial I, Windsor

9. Orchard View Manor, Port Williams

10. Apartment Nova, Tusket

11. Richmond Manor, Halifax

12. Acadia Square South, Halifax

13. Timberlea Manor, Timberlea

14. Foyer Gabriel, Saulnierville

15. Pines Manor, Canso