KAMLOOPS, June 23, 2006 -- The official opening of Bedford Manor, a new $9.7 million development that provides affordable apartments and support services for seniors, was celebrated today by federal, provincial and community funding partners at an official ceremony. "This project demonstrates the commitment of Canada's new Government to providing housing solutions for seniors so that they can live with dignity and independence," said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. Bedford Manor, the 76-unit assisted living development funded under the Independent Living BC (ILBC) program, is run by the John Howard Society of the Thompson Region. Assisted living apartments add to the current range of housing and care options available to seniors by providing a middle option between home support and residential care. "I want to congratulate the John Howard Society for its commitment to this outstanding new facility that allows older people who need assistance to stay independent and remain part of their community," said Claude Richmond, MLA for Kamloops. "Seniors in our communities tell us that safe housing options are needed to allow them to live independently for as long as they can," said Murray Ramsden, CEO of Interior Health. "In addition to assistance with medications and mobility, social and recreational opportunities for residents will improve their overall health." "Many seniors in Kamloops have spent a significant part of their lives in this city," said Terry Lake, mayor of Kamloops. "Bedford Manor responds to the needs of those who require extra assistance and affordable housing, but want to stay in their community." "Bedford Manor helps us realize our commitment to providing affordable housing to seniors and persons with disabilities in Kamloops and the surrounding area," said Dawn Hrycun, CEO of the John Howard Society Thompson Region. The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, will contribute more than $130 million by 2008 towards affordable housing in this province. The provincial government, through BC Housing, will provide a minimum of $34 million annually to subsidize the cost of units built under the Canada BC Affordable Housing Agreement, as part of a larger strategy to provide a range of housing options for British Columbians in greatest need. Contact: Cory Daubenfeld Corporate Communications BC Housing 604-439-4758 604-417-1298 (cell) Ryan Kuhn Communications Interior Health 250-851-7400 Christina Wensley Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation 604-737-4032 Dawn Hrycun CEO, John Howard Society Thompson Region 250-434-1700 ext. 502 Backgrounder Bedford Manor houses 76 subsidized one-bedroom assisted living units, located at 529 Seymour Street in Kamloops. All the assisted living units are wheelchair accessible in a building ideally located in the downtown core. Construction was completed and the building was opened to residents in September 2005. The new assisted living development is owned and managed by the John Howard Society, a non-profit group that has been operating in the Thompson Region since 1933. The society operates four other social housing developments in the Kamloops area. The John Howard Society is the largest affordable housing provider in Kamloops. Tenants pay 70 per cent of their after-tax income for their units. They receive two meals a day, weekly housekeeping and linen services, 24-hour emergency response, personal care services and recreational and social opportunities. The capital cost of this project is $9.77 million, with funding provided through: A $1.9 million grant from the federal government, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC); $5.3 million over 35 years from the Province, through BC Housing, in housing subsidies; $1.27 million annually from Interior Health for estimated personal care services to tenants; $161,000 through a grant-in-lieu of development cost charges from the City of Kamloops, as well as property acquisition incentives; and A John Howard Society contribution of $850,000.
