Ontario Construction News staff writer
Construction is expected to start in November on a seniors’ complex in Kenora.
The housing complex is being developed by the Kenora District Services Board (KDSB), together with the All Nations Health Partners (ANHP), which includes Indigenous partners and organizations like the Kenora Chiefs Advisory, Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe’iyewigamig, and Grand Council Treaty #3, who provided input into the design of the complex and the supports and services to be offered there.
Construction will last 18 to 20 months to build.
The new complex is planned to meet a growing demand for housing in northwestern Ontario where there are more than 280 seniors on a waiting list for affordable housing.
When complete, the complex will help fill the housing gap in Kenora with 56 independent living units, with about 40 per cent to be rented at market value. About one third of the units will be affordable and the rest geared to income for seniors.
In addition to the living suites, the new development will include dedicated health and programming spaces, including a community kitchen and spaces and programming.in partnership with All Nations Health Partners, he said.
The Ontario government announced $4.5 million for the $27 million project last week and the rest will come from financing, officials said.
“Our government’s investment in the new Kenora mixed-market seniors’ housing complex is an innovative way to help seniors who want to continue living at home and avoid admission into long-term care or hospital, but need support to do that,” said Minister of Long-Term Care Paul Calandra. “We’re taking action so people can live and receive care where they can have the best possible quality of life, close to their family and friends.”