Construction of a new 40 unit affordable housing complex for seniors in Dryden has been delayed.
Kenora District Services Board Chief Administrative Officer Henry Wall says they were hoping to break ground this year.
“COVID-19 has certainly had an impact in terms of our ability with respect to planning and community engagement and so forth. So as soon as we can we want to pick that up again so that we can begin the work on moving that forward.”
Wall notes “Realistically we are more likely looking at a construction start date more into 2021 just because of the impact that COVID-19 has had on all sectors.”
Wall stresses they don’t want to rush this important project.
“Do proper planning for this and work with our seniors population. Make sure that what is being built is going to meet the needs of today but also for the needs of seniors into the future.”
He believes the planning and consultation will likely take up a majority of the year.
Wall notes a very engaged Community Working Group continues to work behind the scenes on what the building should look like and a draft design has been completed.
“Seniors aren’t looking for shoe boxes. Actually they would love to have housing units that have additional bedrooms so that when family comes to visit from out of town that they can actually spend time together and the family doesn’t have to rent a hotel.”
Wall notes the KDSB directly supports about 50 seniors with housing and the number one issue that comes up is loneliness.
The KDSB secured property from the City behind the old Pinewood School.
