West Vancouver-Sea to Sky Conservative Member of Parliament John Weston arrived in Squamish Thursday (April 9) to urge seniors to speak up about the critical lack of seniors housing in the Sea to Sky Corridor at the Tantalus Seniors Centre.
Specifically, Weston encouraged seniors to support the proposed 84-unit Riverstones affordable housing development. Weston said there is a critical need for housing and seniors need to be vocal
"There is money in the federal budget for seniors housing projects such as Riverstones. It is going to be an affordable project for the majority of seniors who are not able to afford high rent or buy property," Weston said.
Local senior Sonya Richardson said the Riverstones project is a step in the right direction but more needs to be done.
"I think seniors need a bigger voice regarding the housing situation. It is a huge issue. I have been in Squamish for five years and the day will come when I can't stay," Richardson said. "We need to have a look at this."
In response, Weston said local seniors need to make affordable housing an issue on the municipal level. He said letters and petitions to Mayor Greg Gardner could make seniors housing a priority for the district.
"Maybe a letter or petition will come out of this meeting. If you persuade your elected local officials that seniors housing is a priority that can be relayed to the federal government through myself," Weston said. "If seniors housing is a priority, let's get it going."
Weston also promoted his government's $40 billion stimulus package, which includes funds for local and regional infrastructure projects. He said the Squamish should be nimble in terms of securing funding because the window of opportunity won't be open forever.
"There are funds available to help you and you need to get your council on it," Weston said.
Weston is referring to funds that would have to be matched by the municipality available through programs such as the new senior's rental initiative.
The federal and provincial governments announced on Wednesday (April 8) a new $123 million senior's rental initiative to build up to 1,000 new housing units for seniors and people with disabilities through BC Housing.
Under the new agreement the province will provide matching contributions of $61.79 million province wide, which is accessed through partnerships with municipalities, non-profit housing providers and the private sector.
Weston said Squamish is one step ahead with the Riverstones project, which has been fast-tracked through local government approval processes.
The project's 39776 to 39780 Government Road location includes a mix of affordable units with rent capped at a maximum of $975 for a two-bedroom unit. Spearheaded by Bethel Lands Corporation, the project includes 48 residences for seniors.
But in order to move forward, Bethel Lands needs to secure $3 million from BC Housing, and developer Michael Hutchison said Riverstones needs support.
"This project was moved from the bottom of the pile and ran through council faster than any development in history. It has now joined a large pile at B.C. Housing for some of the funding," Hutchison said.
The Riverstones project also requires involvement from Sea to Sky Community Services, which Hutchison said would help seniors access the BC Housing Shelter Aid for Elderly Renter (SAFER) program. The program makes rents affordable for B.C. seniors with low to moderate incomes.
Hutchison said Rivertsones rents for seniors under the SAFER program could be about $610 a month based on your income. He also said the poorest seniors could pay as little as $60.
"The project includes five buildings three of which are dedicated to seniors. We are trying to get our application out there and a letter of support from seniors would be helpful," Hutchison said.
After hearing about detailed plans for Riverstones, Weston said the excitement in the Tantalus Seniors' Centre was palpable.
"The energy in this room is exciting because we are seeing a practical response to a real need in Squamish," Weston said.
Hutchison urged seniors to write to BC Housing as well as mayor and council. He said news of whether or not Riverstones will receive the necessary funding is expected in 30 days.
