The Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) is partnering with the Province of B.C. to construct 114 affordable housing units for seniors and persons with disabilities in eight communities throughout the Basin, including Cranbrook and Kimberley.

The other communities are Creston, Baynes Lake, Golden, Revelstoke, New Denver and Valemount will each see projects built as a result of the partnership.

This partnership will contribute to the overall capital costs of nine sites and 114 units under the Seniors' Rental Housing (SRH) initiative — a joint affordable housing agreement between the federal and provincial governments.. CBT has committed $425,000 to be allocated towards the 114 units, and the Province, under the SRH initiative, will provide approximately $8,550,000 in cash equity for these units.

Rachel Lucas, with the CBT, says 30 of these units have been proposed for Cranbrook — while the final number hasn't been finalized yet. Property for the projects will be managed by local non-profit societies. Lucas said a request for proposals will be issued to non-profit groups interested in operating the facilities, and the final results of this will be posted online at www.bchousing.org.

Some developments will be co-located with existing housing projects in the communities, as is the case with Golden, Kimberley and Revelstoke.

An artist's rendering of the proposed units shows an example of compact, modular fourplexes of the sort that would likely be built.

“Our government is committed to creating more affordable housing options in the Columbia Basin region and across the province,” said Bill Bennett, Minister of Community and Rural Development and MLA for Kootenay East. “This is a very innovative development as it will provide affordable rental housing for low-income seniors and people with disabilities. Once again, the Columbia Basin Trust has shown their commitment as a great community partner in the Kootenay region.”

“One of our goals is to assist communities in dealing with affordable housing issues, and in particular to explore opportunities to support new housing initiatives. Partnering with BC Housing to develop these new units is a great chance for us to fulfill that goal while meeting a clear need in communities,” said Garry Merkel, CBT Board Chair. “This is a unique opportunity for CBT to be involved in the creation of a significant number of housing units, particularly in rural locations within the Basin.”