July 6, 2017
Governments Invest in Seniors Housing in the North
THOMPSON—Governments will invest $2.25 million to build a new affordable housing complex for seniors in Thompson, in order to create another safe and welcoming housing option for individuals to remain in a familiar community. This funding, announced by the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and the Honourable Scott Fielding, Manitoba Minister of Families, is being provided through the federal-provincial Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) agreement.
“Supporting Canada’s seniors is a cornerstone of our government,” said Duclos. “The Government of Canada is pleased to partner with the Province of Manitoba in fulfilling our mandate of delivering for seniors and ensuring they have access to safe and affordable housing. Today would not be possible without the hard work of the Thompson Lions Senior Manor Non-Profit Housing Cooperative Inc., and we are proud to work with our valued partners to deliver quality housing options.”
Construction recently began on the 32,000-sq.-ft. Lions Manor 55 on Station Road. Once complete, this two-storey, 30-unit building will feature a mix of one- and two-bedroom units, common areas for residents and a guest suite for visiting family.
“We are excited to partner with the local co-operative and the community to help make Lions Manor 55 a reality,” said Fielding. “The start of construction is a special milestone for all of the people who are dedicated to this project and the many benefits it will have for seniors in Thompson and the surrounding region. This is the beginning of something significant and I look forward to celebrating the grand opening with future residents and the community.”
Thompson Lions Senior Manor Non-Profit Housing Cooperative Inc. (TLSM) was established in 2014 to develop opportunities for seniors in the community. Government funding was provided after TLSM responded to a request for proposal focused on affordable seniors housing.
“This has been a dream of mine and many others for some time,” said Nick Di Virgilio, TLSM president. “We appreciate the support from the province, as well as our corporate and individual supporters for helping us not only fill a housing gap in the region, but also helping to keep grandparents close to their children and grandchildren.”
The complex is expected to be complete by the end of 2018. It will meet provincial accessibility guidelines and Manitoba Hydro’s Power Smart energy efficiency standards.
Other major contributors to the project include the City of Thompson, the Thompson Lions Club, Nick Di Virgilio, Vale and CJR Consulting.
In 2016, the governments of Canada and Manitoba announced an expanded commitment to the IAH agreement, representing almost $90 million over two years. The new funding is in addition to approximately $166 million in joint eight-year funding to help create more affordable housing options in Manitoba.
As Canada’s authority on housing, CMHC has been helping Canadians meet their housing needs for more than 70 years. For more information, call toll-free 1-800-668-2642, visit www.cmhc.ca, or follow CMHC on Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.
For more information about housing programs in Manitoba, visit www.gov.mb.ca/housing.
- 30 -