Kootenay Columbia Seniors Housing Coop

Member Profile

A group of individuals from the Castlegar, BC area came together in 2002 to address concerns for the future: their adult (55+) years.

These are some of the situations they were concerned with:

• The increasing numbers of seniors in the West Kootenay region - from 12% to 25% in the past few years, and still increasing
• The increasing lengths of 'wait' lists for access to existing care facilities - 200+ in 2005
• The recent decrease and cuts in government funding for senior's housing and health care
• The cost of care in many facilities is beyond the means of the residents and their families
• Care facilities are often located many miles (km) from friends and family

A Homegrown Solution

In seeking a solution, this group envisioned a close-knit, cooperative community that would address these needs. They found and purchased a property large enough to accommodate choices of homes such as bungalows, duplexes, townhouses, an apartment block, including a recreational area, as well as a complete care centre. To help fund this project, it is intended that additional lots be set aside and sold as funds are needed to complete various aspects of the project. 

Benefits of the Co-op

By operating as a non-profit cooperative there can be many advantages that would be available to the members:

• It is felt that a reduction of about 26% in development costs over what a private developer would experience, can be realized. This savings would consist of such things as realtor commissions, mortgage and interest costs during construction, developer profits, etc
• In such a community, people could start out living independently, and, as the need arises, a complex care facility, which is now in the planning stage, would be available for receiving greater degrees of care
• Residents will have a say in their future, and become part of a community of individuals who value their freedom to make choices. This will include operation of the community itself
• It is anticipated that living costs for members could be much less than in a 'for profit' based development

A brief history of the project

• The Kootenay Columbia Senior's Housing Cooperative was incorporated on September 22, 2005
• A 40 acre parcel of land within the Castlegar City limits, was located and final payment made for it on May 12, 2006 Arrangements were made with an architectural firm to draw up a possible site plan for the project.
• Geo Tech reports and traffic reports were commissioned, carried out, and approved.
• Members and the Public were invited to loan the Cooperative $60,000 for future choice of residential lots within the 40 acres, but outside the complex area itself
• On June 30, 2006 a billboard was erected to help advertise the project.  This was well covered by the Castlegar News.
• During the last days of July and the early part of August in 2006, the roads which will go through the complex were brushed out
• September 16th, 2006, saw the first group of members selecting building sites for their future homes

Visit online: www.grandviewhousing.com