Groundbreaking Photo taken Oct 2024

PBQ News – SEPT 2024:

Bowser Seniors Housing

22 affordable new homes for seniors are coming to Bowser.

Construction is expected to occur in the coming months, with a projected completion date early in 2026, according to a news release by Bowser Seniors Housing Society (BSHS).

The Lighthouse Villa project is funded through the Community Housing Fund and in partnership with BC Housing.

BC Housing said the project will include a mix of rents, with 70 per cent of units being rent-geared-to-income where rent is set at 30 per cent of gross monthly income — including 20 per cent reserved for people with very low incomes.

Thirty per cent will be rental homes for people with moderate incomes, according to BC Housing.

Lighthouse Villa has been designed to meet the unique needs of independent seniors in Bowser and surrounding areas, according to the release from BSHS. The project has been in the planning stages for more than 20 years, driven by a passionate Board of Directors, volunteers, and community members dedicated to addressing the growing demand for senior housing.

The 22 private rental units are at ground level and will be furnished with each senior’s own possessions. Residents will be responsible for their own meals, housekeeping, personal laundry, and utilities (hydro, cable and phone).  Its location adjacent to Magnolia Court ensures that residents can enjoy a safe and comfortable environment with easy access to nearby amenities. The building is designed to encourage companionship with common areas for social activities and to foster a sense of community, connection, independence, and well-being.

The Villa will be offering spaces to eligible seniors through the BC Housing Registry and the BSHS’ own waiting list which is not yet established. Further information on a start date for that will be forthcoming in the new year and posted on bshs.ca.

Please note that the Villa will not appear in the housing listings for some time.

MLA Josie Osborne made the announcement during the opening of the Lighthouse Fall Fair in Qualicum Bay on Aug. 31.

“Today’s major milestone of final project approval from BC Housing means shovels can soon get in ground, and the community will see these new homes ready for people to move in to next year,” Osborne said in a social media post on Aug. 31. “This project has been a long time coming, and is only possible due to perseverance and partnership.  I raise my hands to the Bowser Seniors Society for their tenacity and incredible work.”

Throughout the construction phase, the community will be kept informed of progress and any opportunities to get involved.  Fundraising will continue, including the much anticipated annual November gala (dinner, dance, and live auction).

This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of Bowser and the surrounding community, partners, and stakeholders. Years of fundraising, including pancake breakfasts, garage sales, hot dog sales, online auctions, raffles, and annual galas have brought in over $400,000, according to BSHS.

The Board of Directors extend their deepest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this project, whether through donations, volunteer work or advocacy.

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Society is currently in the development process to build Lighthouse Villa, an affordable independent living facility for seniors.

Lighthouse Villa will contain 22 private units furnished with the seniors’ own possessions. Residents will live independently. Privacy and independence are preserved in a welcoming atmosphere providing companionship and social activities in the common areas. The residents are responsible for their own meals, housekeeping, personal laundry and utilities (hydro, cable, phone).

The 22 adaptable (three fully accessible) rental apartments consist of 20 one bedroom and 2 two bedrooms, all of differing sizes. The facility will be one storey in height and include surface parking stalls for residents. Each residential unit will be fully self-sufficient with bathroom, kitchen, bedroom(s), living area, and limited storage. Amenity spaces for gatherings, crafts, games, and a coin-operated laundry for residents are included in the building plan. Lighthouse Villa will be located in the Bowser Village, behind Magnolia Court and close to shops, cafe, library, bank, trails and transportation.

We have partnered with BC Housing on this subsidized affordable housing project, where resident eligibility is determined through income level and assets held. Our 22 rental units will be comprised of 4 units at shelter rate, 11 at rent-geared-to-income, and 7 at a federally determined market rate. The Villa will be offering spaces to eligible seniors through the BC Housing Registry and our own waiting list.

To ensure that you qualify, please log into the BC Housing Registry website at: https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/rental-housing/subsidized-housing

Please note that the Villa will not appear in the housing listings until Late 2025.

All of our efforts are focused on making Lighthouse Villa a reality in the near future.

posted Oct 2024