LAKE COUNTRY — Federal, provincial and community partners gathered today to celebrate the official opening of Blue Heron Villa, a new $6-million, 25-unit assisted living development for seniors in Lake Country.

“Canada's New Government is committed to providing housing solutions for seniors, so that they can continue to live in their communities with dignity and independence,” said Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. “Blue Heron Villa will give residents more access to quality, affordable housing to meet their specific needs.”

Blue Heron Villa is funded through the Independent Living BC program and is a partnership between the Lake Country Senior Housing Society, the federal and provincial governments, Interior Health and the District of Lake Country.

“Blue Heron Villa is a great example of three levels of government working together to create affordable housing options for B.C.’s communities,” said Al Horning, MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country. “Many seniors in Lake Country have spent a significant part of their lives in this community. These new homes will ensure they are provided with the opportunity to stay close to family, friends and neighbours.”

Assisted living units are self-contained apartments where residents receive hospitality and personal care services, such as meals, housekeeping and laundry services, recreational opportunities, assistance with medications, mobility and other care needs, as well as a 24-hour response system.

“Seniors would prefer to live independently in a safe, home-like environment with personalized support in their own community as long as possible,” said Alan Dolman, board chair for Interior Health. “Blue Heron Villa will allow Interior Health to further increase the continuum of housing and care options we offer to seniors in Lake Country.”

“This assisted living development integrates housing and health services and addresses a key need for our community,” added District of Lake Country Mayor James Baker.

“As advocates of seniors’ housing and care needs in Lake Country, today’s opening is the fulfilment of a dream,” said Lake Country Senior Housing Society president Randall Rose. “The community has been extremely supportive of Blue Heron Villa. This project was the dream of the late Dr. Gayle Konkle and the late Nigel Hughes and, in their honour, it’s great for us to see the completion of their vision.”

These new units are part of the British Columbia government’s commitment to provide 5,000 net-new residential care beds, assisted living units, and supportive housing with home support units by the end of 2008. To date, 8,839 new and replacement beds and units have been built, including 3,411 net-new beds.

The Province of British Columbia is committed to providing more than 4,000 affordable assisted living apartments for B.C. seniors and persons with disabilities. To date, more than 3,900 have been allocated in communities across the province. The Province’s budget for shelters and affordable housing is $328 million — nearly triple what it was in 2001.

The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, will contribute more than $130 million by 2010 towards affordable housing in this province. The provincial government will provide a minimum of $34 million annually to subsidize the cost of units built under the Canada-BC Affordable Housing Agreement, as part of a larger strategy to provide a range of housing options for British Columbians in greatest need.