The Seniors Housing Project is shovel-ready and the Lions service club expects to break ground on the 30-unit complex
before summer 2017. This project has continued to steam forward since its inception in 2011. The seniors housing focus was determined by a community survey that asked residents what large project they wanted.
“Affordable seniors housing was overwhelmingly the choice,” Lions Housing Society president Mitch Vic said.
Over the winter of 2011-2012 the Housing Society was formed and soon after that they purchased the first two plots of
land in North Quesnel.
“The project moved quickly once it got underway and several infusions of money at the right time kept the project moving
forward,” Vic said.
“Part of the Lions success story in the club’s ability to stay focused, total respect for the budget and a whole lot of small
but mighty fundraisers.”
The club is proud of the stable membership which has remained at around 40 members, not that they wouldn’t love
to have more join.
“We welcome anyone interested in serving the community,” Vic said.
“This club has been in Quesnel more than 75 years and two memorable accomplishments are the trusses and roof on the
old arena and the CT Scanner a vital piece of equipment at G.R. Baker Hospital.”
Vic said they’ve hired their design team to create the final plan for construction of the 30-unit, one-bedroom complex. The
firm is from Prince George and plans are already underway for the final design.
“When it comes time to break ground and award the construction contracts, we will do everything we can to have local
trades and contractors on site,” Vic said.
“Regarding tenant applications, we are very aware this complex is being built with public money and we will go above and
beyond in tenant selection transparency. The rent will be affordable. We continue to fundraise to lower our borrowing requirements to keep rents as low as possible.”
He added they are currently putting together a committee to determine best practices for occupancy, tenant agreements
and building policies and procedures. The Lions Housing Society also purchased a third plot adjacent to the existing two in order to provide adequate parking .
“With this addition to the original site, the building will now sit more comfortably on the three-lot configuration,” Vic said.
The Lions Housing Society has approximately $100,000 in the bank and $2.5 million pledged from the B.C. Government
and $25,000 from the North Cariboo Growers Co-op in Quesnel.
“We are planning an open house and will possibly have rental applications on hand sometime in spring of 2017,” Vic said.
“Completion is set for 2018.”