An upcoming low-rise apartment building geared to seniors is coming to Saanich, bringing nearly 100 rental homes along with it.
Work is now underway on the new Linwood Court, a development featuring 97 one-bedroom homes for seniors, including seven accessible units for those living with disabilities and one unit for guests.
Operated by Baptist Housing, the facility will offer a community kitchen, shared laundry room and dining area, plus an activity room, socializing spaces, outdoor garden plots and wellness programs for seniors.
Saanich council unanimously approved a rezoning application for the four-storey complex on Linwood Avenue, not far from Mayfair Shopping Centre, back in February 2021.
Marc Kinna, CEO of Baptist Housing, sums up Linwood Court as an “extremely important” project offering affordable rental suites for those 55 years and older.
Echoing Kinna, Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes says the development will “make a real difference in the lives of the seniors who call this place home.”
Replacing the old and since demolished Linwood Court, a three-building complex that provided 29 homes, relocated residents will be offered the opportunity to move back in by late 2023.
“These new homes will give more seniors the security and peace of mind that comes with having an affordable place to call home,” added Victoria-Swan Lake MLA Rob Fleming.
Fleming joined Housing Minister Ahmed Hussen, Mayor Haynes, and Anke Andersen, a former resident of the old Linwood Court, at a special press event on Wednesday.
The project is funded through an over $22 million partnership between the federal and provincial governments, with Baptist Housing providing the land and $6 million of equity.
Through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, the federal government is investing nearly $6 million, and the province of BC, through BC Housing, is providing $10.3 million.
