Delegates officially announced the creation of Elizabeth Fry Place - a 36-unit seniors housing complex - on Sixth Avenue, Tuesday.
The $6.2 million facility, located at 1373 Sixth Ave., has been under construction since March.
Elizabeth Fry Place will be operated by the Prince George and District Elizabeth Fry Housing Society and owned by the City of Prince George.
"I don't have a crystal ball in terms of the weather... but we're hopeful it will be ready by the end of March for occupancy," society executive director Kathi Heim said. "It's taken many individuals and countless hours to bring us where we are today."
All the units will be single-bedroom apartments rented at controlled rent rates - not more than 30 per cent of the tenants' income, she said.
"All the units are universally accessible, which we're really excited about," Heim added. "Four of the units have a slightly bigger footprint for a large wheelchair. We hope people will be able to stay in the units as their needs change."
The society will not provide assisted living services at the building, she said, but society staff will be available to assist with access to programs like Meals on Wheels.
People interested in becoming tenants or finding out more information can contact the Elizabeth Fry Housing Society or register with B.C. Housing.
The federal government provided $2.7 million, the provincial government $2.6 million and the City of Prince George $910,000 to fund the project.
Canadian Heritage and Official Languages Minister James Moore said the decision to fund the facility was right for the community.
"The job of an elected official... is not to be left wing or right wing, it is to improve the life of your constituents," Moore said. "The best ideas don't come from Ottawa and get scattershot across the country. The best ideas come from the grassroots."
Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond said the facility will provide affordable, accessible homes for seniors.
"What it means is people who want to have a home, who could not otherwise afford that, will have a home of their own," Bond said. "They'll be located downtown close to lots of services and amenities."
Mayor Dan Rogers said it will be the fourth housing facility the city has partnered on.
"This really defines what we're trying to do on so many levels," Rogers said. "This fits with our efforts of increasing density [downtown.]"
