Ts'oo Yoh or House of Spruce, located at 1811 Spruce St., is a three storey, 27-unit complex geared for elders and seniors over 55 years old that will be open in a few weeks.
Centrally located, the complex is an Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George project that is offering safe, accessible, affordable housing for elder citizens to age in place and remain connected to their community, said Christos Vardacostas, executive director of the non-profit society.
"It's been years in the making," Vardacostas added.
It's been about five years from inception but only took 10 months to build.
Throughout the process Vardacostas said he appreciated the cooperation of the City of Prince George.
"We're moving from what was previously a subsidized housing model," he said.
The new reality is the society fully finances its operations so it can't sustainably offer low rents anymore, he added.
"What that leaves us with is a growing number of properties where we charge close to market rent essentially," Vardacostas said. It's marginally affordable housing, he added.
The society had to find new ways to provide affordable housing.
The new complex consists of one-bedroom units suitable for single or double occupancy and rents range from $665 to $765 per month, which offers the society the opportunity to be financially independent, leaving operating costs in their hands, Vardacostas said.
The society was supported with capital costs during construction by B.C. Housing and CMHC, along with other aboriginal housing societies.
The sense of community is built into the design of the complex, which includes a community kitchen to host large events that potentially include all tenants. There is also a secure courtyard for outdoor space and the location is within a 15-minute walk to health services, a community centre, a pharmacy, shopping, movie theatre, a seniors centre and the public library.
The society isn't done developing the property and will fill families' needs on the same site and hopes the next phase will take place within the next two years.
"We will continue to meet the broad demographic needs of affordable housing in Prince George," Vardacostas said. "It's more than housing. Our intent is to be able to deliver the services people need or find a way that those services are near by, so we are continually focusing on that. We'd like to empower people through provision of housing, facilitating their access to resources and focus on the community's well being."
The Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George is still accepting applications for interested tenants. To apply visit ahspg.ca/new-developments/tsoo-yoh.
