In clerical vestment and all, Bishop Logan McMenamie dug into the sod at 1550 Arrow Rd. to install a cornerstone commemorating the coming 84-unit seniors housing development.
Yes, McMenamieB次元官网网址檚 robe got a little dirty, but itB次元官网网址檚 all for the cause. The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of B.C. led a prayer for the coming 84-unit, $10 million . The three-storey complex will be installed next to the existing Mount Douglas Court, which has 81 tenants.
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B次元官网网址淎s a church committed to advancing economic and social justice, we are proud to be partnering with Mount Douglas Seniors Housing Society on this project, and commend the society on providing safe, affordable, caring community to seniors,B次元官网网址� McMenamie said.
The diocese is a parent organization to the Mount Douglas Seniors Housing Society but itB次元官网网址檚 the latter, a sustainable non-profit, that came up with the plan to build an additional building. The money will be sourced locally through mortgages and other capital arrangements using Mount Doug Court as leverage, said chair David Cooper, whoB次元官网网址檚 been with society 17 years.
B次元官网网址淭he society kicked the ball off in partnership with the diocese, B次元官网网址� Cooper said. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e mortgage free so we can use the [existing] building as collateral.B次元官网网址�
The original vision for Arrow Road was to build a B次元官网网址榗ampus of care,B次元官网网址� said Cooper. It would have had three buildings - one for independent living, one for assisted living and one for long-term care. Instead, the green space space of the 4.5-acre property has been used as a garden plot for tenants and a B次元官网网址測ear round pasture for ungulates.B次元官网网址�
Following the societyB次元官网网址檚 decision to study the need for additional seniors housing 10 years, there was soon opposition from the neighbourhood. That opposition led to councilB次元官网网址檚 move to deny the original rezoning and development permit for a four-storey, 100-unit building in 2016. The revised, scaled-back application went to public hearing in February and was approved 8-1.
For Mount Douglas Court resident Lillian Gilbert, 80, the new building is an essential service for seniors.
B次元官网网址淚 absolutely support the new place. This place is a Godsend,B次元官网网址� Gilbert said. B次元官网网址淚 often think if it wasnB次元官网网址檛 for a building like this I could be on the street downtown.B次元官网网址�
Gilbert came to Victoria from Ontario and was living with her daughterB次元官网网址檚 family. When that situation unexpectedly changed six years ago, she found herself in need of permanent, affordable shelter, and found that at Arrow Road.
B次元官网网址淵ou donB次元官网网址檛 count on things happening, you thank God every day for this place,B次元官网网址� Gilbert said. B次元官网网址淚 wonB次元官网网址檛 mind the construction, itB次元官网网址檚 a small price to pay when you see what good is coming.B次元官网网址�
To qualify for the Mount Douglas Court or Manor applicants must be 55 years old, independent and have an income of $30,000 or less. There is currently a two-year wait list at Mount Douglas Court.
Occupancy for Mount Douglas Manor is planned for fall of 2018.
reporter@saanichnews.com
