Seniors and people living with disabilities in Elkford will soon have access to 25 affordable rental homes with construction underway on a new development.
The four-storey building at 214 Alpine Way will contain 25 one-bedroom units, all of which will be accessible or adaptable to accommodate residents’ current and changing accessibility needs. The project will also include ground-mounted solar panels to help produce additional power.
“After years of planning by the Elkford Housing Society, we’re thrilled to see this project underway. The district strongly supports purpose-built, affordable rental housing and housing for seniors in our community, and this project is a prime example of the development we’re hoping to see in our growing downtown area.” Steve Fairbairn, mayor of Elkford.
The project is the result of a partnership between federal and provincial governments, the Regional District of East Kootenay, the District of Elkford, Columbia Basin Trust, Teck Coal Limited (Teck) and the Elkford Housing Society, which will operate the building.
“Access to affordable rental housing is a pressing issue, which is why the trust has prioritized supporting communities, like Elkford, to create housing that meets their needs,” said Johnny Strilaeff, president and CEO, Columbia Basin Trust. We’re excited to support construction-related training opportunities and see solar arrays and high-speed fibre installed for the 25 finished units. Congratulations to the Elkford Housing Society and to all the partners for their commitment to making this project a reality.”
Affordable and accessible housing is a key priority of the Trust. Since 2020, 320 affordable housing units have been created—including in First Nations communities—and 783 affordable rental housing units have been retained, improved or made more energy efficient.
The site is located within one kilometre of the downtown core and essential services, including a grocery store, pharmacy, park and library, as well as the Elkford Medical Centre.
“The Elkford Housing Society is very excited about our partnership with BC Housing, the Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation, Columbia Basin Trust, District of Elkford, Regional District of East Kootenay and Teck to provide 25 units of barrier-free housing for seniors and people with disabilities in Elkford. The society is pleased that this housing will allow seniors and people living with disabilities to remain in Elkford as they age.” Kim Bauer, vice-president, Elkford Housing Society.
Construction of the new homes is expected to be complete in 2025.
Read the full release here.
