A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in Baker Park on Wednesday, Aug. 31, to formally open Baker Gardens, a new 36-unit housing development for seniors and people with disabilities.

Baker Gardens, located off 1st Street South in Baker Park, is the largest modular housing development in B.C. Senior Rental Housing Initiative. It is a result of a partnership between the federal and provincial governments, the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) and the Canadian Mental Health Association of the Kootenays (CMHA-K). The project was built on land provided by the City of Cranbrook, who also waived the Development Cost Charges.

Janice Ivan served as Master of Ceremonies for the occasion, and introduced the representatives of the partnership.

"This project will contribute to the economic and social well-being of the entire community," said David Wilks, Member of Parliament of Kootenay-Columbia. The federal government contributed almost $2.7 million to the project.

"Developments like this offer residents a comfortable home, and they are a vital part of a vibrant and healthy community," said Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett. The provincial government provided $2.2 million to the project.

The land provided by the City of Cranbrook was valued at $647,000, and about $73,000 in Development Cost Charges were waived.

"These kind of projects have brought me the greatest joy in my time in municipal government," said Cranbrook Mayor Scott Manjak. "Addressing the need for more affordable housing for seniors in Cranbrook is a key priority for our City and council."

The CBT has committed $425,000 to the overall capital costs of seven such sites in the Columbia Basin - totaling 114 units under the Seniors Rental Housing Initiative (a joint investment under an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Housing Agreement). Garry Merkel, Board Chair of the CBT, said this type of housing fills a crucial need in East Kootenay communities.

Baker Gardens will be managed and operated by the CMHA-K. Kevin Weaver, Vice-President of the Board of Directors for the Association, spoke of the ongoing efforts in regard to providing crucial housing to lower income residents, and how this is a key part of the CMHA's mandate.

Audrey, who has lived in CMHA housing facilities and who will be taking up residence in Baker Gardens, spoke of how such facilities helped her get back on her feet after a difficult time in her life. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have affordable housing.

Following the remarks, Vincent Chou, representing B.C. Housing, presented the members of the partnership with a plaque commemorating the project, and then a ribbon was cut to officially declare the housing project open. A tour of one of the units was conducted for those in attendance.

Residents will start moving into Baker Gardens in about 30 days.