The Kenora District Services Board is moving ahead with building a new 40-unit Supported Senior’s Complex in Dryden.
The complex will be located at the old Pinewood School site, behind the Homeward Bound Housing unit.
The 2-storey building will contain 32, 1-bedroom units, 8, 2-bedroom units, as well as an on-site guest-suite for visitors.
The new facility will provide much needed affordable housing to seniors of all incomes, with deep affordable units, affordable market and full market all being offered.
Chief Administrative Officer Henry Wall says the building will have space so seniors can actually age in one place.
“There will be programming space so that as the situation for residents change, community organizations can come in and provide those supports. So one of those things might be help with bathing down the line.”
Wall adds, “It is a bit more costly to do it that way. We know it’s the right thing to do. So our board passed a resolution directing staff and supporting staff to approach a number of other ministries to seek some additional help when it comes to having those supports built into this project.”
Total construction costs are in the range of $15.5 to $16.5 million.
Wall says, “Our plan is an August 1 start date in terms of construction. So it’s not that far away. So we have some aggressive timelines to push here but very exciting that this project is moving forward becoming a reality.”
As part of the planned construction, the KDSB will be building and leasing a new off-street parking area for Community Living Dryden/Sioux Lookout.
This is aimed at eliminating overcrowding on Arthur Street.
The project is being fully supported by City Council.
They have approved a Community Improvement Plan grant application for the following:
-Landscaping and Parking Area Improvement Grant. Maximum $15,000
-Planning, Building, Demolition and Landfill Fee Grant. $28,437 (building permit)
Councillor Shayne MacKinnon says this project addresses a long-standing problem in Dryden and that’s a lack of affordable housing.
MacKinnon adds this will be a relief to seniors in the community.
He adds it also fits in with their strategic plan.
