Crews break ground on Port Alberni seniors housing

PORT ALBERNI, B.C. — Work has kicked off on an affordable rental housing building with 48 homes for seniors and Indigenous Elders in Port Alberni.

“These new homes will help seniors and Indigenous Elders in Port Alberni remain in the community they helped build, where their families and friends surround them,” said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim, in a statement. “This project would not be possible without strong partnerships. Thank you to the Westcoast Native Healthcare Society (WNHS) and the City of Port Alberni for their vision, determination and for supporting this significant project.”

The five-storey building’s design features 45 one-bedroom and three two-bedroom homes for seniors and Indigenous Elders with low to moderate incomes. In addition to the 48 homes, the building will have amenity and laundry rooms, accessible washrooms and a community garden.

The province is contributing $5 million towards the project through B.C. Housing as well as an annual operating subsidy of $302,335.

“On behalf of council for the City of Port Alberni, we would like to thank the province for another significant investment into much needed housing in our community,” said Sharie Minions, mayor for the city of Port Alberni. “Access to safe, secure and affordable housing is a basic foundational need on which people build their lives and is essential for us in building a complete and thriving community. We would also like to extend our thanks to the board and staff at WNHS for their many years of work on this project and their ongoing advocacy for housing needs in our area.”

The project site was provided by WNHS which will own and operate the homes. The project is located on the Tsawaayuus (Rainbow Gardens) campus, a multi-level care facility for seniors in Port Alberni.

“The Westcoast Native Healthcare Society is committed to providing services to seniors in the Alberni Valley and surrounding communities,” said Darleen Watts, board president of WNHS. “This apartment complex will provide safe, affordable housing for seniors.”

Tenants are expected to be moving in by summer 2022.