Minister Selina Robinson makes an initial announcement in 2019 (Image Credit: Q101)

By Michael Reeve / Q-101 Merritt

Seniors Housing

Province announces new seniors housing for Merritt

May 4, 2021 | 1:45 PM

MERRITT, B.C. — Seniors in need of homes they can afford in Merritt will soon have new rental homes to choose from, with construction underway on a new 44-unit apartment building in the community.

“These new homes will help seniors live independently and stay connected to their community,” said David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing. “Providing homes people can afford in every corner of the province is our goal, and today’s announcement is great news for these seniors and for the broader community.”

Located on provincially owned land at 2230 Quilchena Ave., Cedar Terrace will provide studio, one-bedroom and accessible apartments within a four-storey building.

ASK Wellness Society will operate the new homes for seniors with moderate and low incomes. The society is receiving approximately $4.7 million from the Province’s Building BC: Community Housing Fund.

“We are very excited for what this new housing will provide to the City of Merritt, in particular those who have found it challenging to find safe and affordable housing,” said Bob Hughes, executive director, ASK Wellness Society. “This new facility is being created to honour the needs of our local aging population by providing housing to residents who are 55 and older with rental fees geared to their income. After 14 years of operations in Merritt, we have seen the growing gap in accessible housing for seniors, and with Cedar Terrace we are narrowing that gap.”

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“There is a significant housing shortage in Merritt right now, especially for seniors, so I am thrilled about this project. On behalf of council, we are extremely thankful for the support and foresight from BC Housing and Ask Wellness in addressing this critical need. I have heard from so many seniors who desperately need quality, affordable housing and couldn’t be happier to see this project move forward in our community,” added Mayor Linda Brown.

Construction is expected to be complete in summer 2022.

City Council did not vote on the development as the project did not require rezoning or variances to proceed.