The Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George is taking steps to rezone seven lots they own at 1811 Spruce Street for a not-for-profit seniors housing complex.
"In terms of application to the city, we're at the rezoning stage and soon we'll be going to development permit application," said Leo Hebert, the Aboriginal Housing Society's executive director. Two of the seven contiguous lots are zoned RM4 (multiple residential) and five are zoned as RM6 (mid-rise residential).
"All seven lots need to be zoned RM6 to meet the requirements," said Hebert. "So we're moving along with the design stage so you get the zoning and then you get to the development permit stage and then we're applying to work with the provincial government to help finance it as BC Housing announced some funding they have available for building affordable housing."
The plan is for 27 one-bedroom units in an independent-living complex suitable for singles or couples 55 years and older with anticipated ground breaking in the spring of 2017, Hebert added.
Some 30 years ago, the demand was for affordable family housing and the Aboriginal Housing Society has 161 predominantly detached dwellings suitable for that need but now the demand has seen a shift as the population ages, said Hebert.
"These units are designed to be barrier free," said Hebert. "Accessibility is important and they are visitable, too, so if you use a walker or are in a wheelchair as a renter or as a visitor these units are suitable and it's a good, affordable design. So we're just working on the affordability for people, as well as the feasibility and the sustainability for it to operate."
