GRAND FORKS, September 25, 2006 Provincial and federal funding partners today celebrated the opening of Boundary Lodge, a $2.3 million conversion of a former licensed care facility, which is now Grand Forks' first assisted living development for lower-income seniors and individuals living with disabilities. "For Canada's new Government, the province of BC, and the community of Grand Forks, this opening shows how well we have worked together to make this care facility a reality," said the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Minister Responsible for British Columbia, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development "For a good number of our seniors and citizens living with disabilities, this project provides accessible, comfortable, quality housing, at an affordable cost and a chance at a better life." "This modern health care facility will increase choices for Grand Forks' seniors, when their care needs change they can continue to live in the community they call home," said the Honourable Rick Thorpe, MLA Okanagan Westside. "Upgrading facilities such as Boundary Lodge ensures seniors and people with disabilities continue to have affordable housing and care options once the facilities are no longer suitable for clients with complex care needs." The project is funded under Independent Living BC (ILBC), an innovative housing-for-health program that meets the needs of lower-income seniors and people with disabilities by providing a middle option between home support and residential care. These assisted living units are self-contained apartments where residents receive meals, housekeeping and laundry services, a 24-hour response system, and assistance with medications. The federal government, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), will provide funding to cover capital costs, and BC Housing provides funding to ensure that the housing remains affordable. Interior Health funds personal care services and part of the hospitality services provided to tenants. The Grand Forks and District Housing Society is providing property management services and is in training to become the operator of the assisted living development. inSITE Housing, Hospitality and Health Services Inc is acting as a mentor for the society. "Converting the facility to assisted living ensures that Boundary Lodge will be preserved as a health care service for Grand Forks seniors and will provide the right level of care while residents can maintain their independence," said Interior Health Board Chair Alan Dolman. "This conversion was greatly needed, as prior to the opening many seniors needing care had to relocate outside of the community, making it difficult for family and friends to visit," said Judith Lloyd, Grand Forks and District Housing Society President. The Province of British Columbia, through the Independent Living BC program is committed to providing more than 4,000 affordable assisting living apartments for B.C. seniors and persons with disabilities. 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: Roberta Randall Communications Specialist BC Housing 604-439-4734 Cell: 604-992-3305 Christina Wensley Communications Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation 604-737-4032 Stephen Harris Communications Interior Health Cell: 250-354-3030 Judith Lloyd President Grand Forks and District Housing Society Cell: 250-442-9445 Backgrounder Boundary Lodge Boundary Lodge is a single-storey, former licensed residential care facility in Grand Forks. The 31 bedrooms were converted into 17 self-contained units of assisted living. As part of the conversion, the entire building's life safety systems were upgraded and part of the roof replaced. The Grand Forks and District Housing Society is providing the property management services and is in training to become the operator of the assisted living services with the inSITE group acting as a mentor. ILBC Boundary Lodge Conversion Capital cost of this project is approximately $2,272,890 million. The federal government, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, provided a capital grant of $425,000. The provincial government, through BC Housing, provided a $1,249,890 million capital grant. Interior Health provided approx. $99,000 for repairs, including replacement of part of the roof. Interior Health will provide $387,323 annually for the personal care services and part of the hospitality services. BC Housing, through the Provincial Rental Housing Corporation (PRHC), is providing the land valued at $598,000.
