New Assisted Living Homes Open for Salmon Arm Seniors

SALMON ARM, British Columbia, October 14, 2006 — The opening of Pioneer Lodge, a new .3-million development that provides affordable apartments and support services for seniors, was celebrated today by federal, provincial and community funding partners at an official ceremony.

"Seniors in Salmon Arm now have access to more safe, quality, affordable housing that meets their specific needs," said Colin Mayes, Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Shuswap, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. "Canada's New Government is proud of the work we have done with our partners to help seniors live with independence and dignity in their community."

The new 30-unit development, funded under the Independent Living BC (ILBC) program, is operated by Good Samaritan Canada. Assisted living apartments add to the range of housing and care options available to seniors by providing a middle option between home support and residential care.

George Abbott, B.C.'s Health Minister and MLA for Shuswap, said these units are part of the government's commitment to provide 5,000 intermediate and long-term care beds by the end of 2008.

"With these new assisted living homes now open, seniors in Salmon Arm will have more options to suit their care needs," said Abbott. "We have opened 6,655 new and replacement beds in British Columbia since July 2001, with 1,830 of those net-new. I want to congratulate Good Samaritan Canada for its commitment to providing a range of care options, where seniors can get the care and attention that their individual circumstances require."

Interior Health will provide ongoing funding for personal care and hospitality services to ensure tenants have access to the health-care support they need to remain independent.

"At Interior Health, we are committed to bringing options to seniors so they choose where to live and, at the same time, address their own unique health-care needs," said Interior Health Board chair Alan Dolman.

"We're pleased to be a part of the Salmon Arm community of care," said Phil Gaudet, president and CEO of the Good Samaritan Society. "In addition to the new Hillside Village residential care facility we recently opened in Salmon Arm, converting Pioneer Lodge to 30 assisted living apartments will allow more seniors to remain in their home community."

The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, will contribute more than 0 million by 2010 towards affordable housing in this province. The provincial government, through BC Housing, will provide a minimum of 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.

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