The Assiniboine Credit Union (ACU) Thompson branch became the first cash funder of a proposed seniors housing initiative in Thompson on May 1 when branch manager Brenda Laycock presented Thompson Lions Seniors Manor (TLSM) chairperson Nick DiVirgilio and fellow committee members Pam Antila, Penny Byer and Helen Koetke with a $5,000 cheque.
"Thank you for the opportunity for ACU to participate in providing sponsorship for such a wonderful project," said Laycock. "There is a great need for this type of housing in Thompson and I am so pleased that your organization is committed to the well-being of the city and its residents."
"This initiative will benefit the community in many ways," said DiVirgilio. "It will help keep extended families in Thompson and, as a result, directly influence retention of employees. It will keep the seniors' buying power in the city. And it will provide employment, both for the construction and for the ongoing management of the facility."
The committee formed last fall and is currently developing a response to a request for proposals for affordable seniors housing put forth by Manitoba Housing. Thompson's only housing designed for independent living for people 55 and older is Rotary Place on Westwood Drive and provincial statistics indicate that Thompson is the most under-resourced community in Manitoba in terms of seniors' accommodation, according to the committee, which could qualify to receive up to one-third of the funding or $72,000 per unit if its proposal is accepted.
"We are looking at other funding initiatives," said DiVirgilio. "One of these is called the Life Lease, which is basically a 100% refundable deposit. We are currently asking people 55 and older to sign letters of interest in the life lease option. We will use these letters as part of our proposal to show community support."
The TLSM committee estimates that it will cost $6.06 million to build the proposed housing, which will be a four-storey complex with 30 one- and two-bedroom units as well as parking, a common recreation/meeting area and kitchen on the main floor, as well as a guest suite. The individual apartments will be equipped with balconies, walk-in showers, laundry facilities and feature barrier-free design.
The TLSM committee hopes to raise one-third of the money through life leases and traditional fundraising and has already received substantial offers of in-kind contributions from local businesses.
"We have already received a high level of interest in the community," said DiVirgilio, "and we have hardly promoted the project. We expect that interest will increase substantially now that we are able to start promoting it."
The Thompson Lions Club will donate land adjacent to Teekinakan Day Care Centre at 509 Station Road for the seniors housing.
Thompson city council voted unanimously Aug. 12 in favour of second and third reading of a zoning bylaw amendment for the parcel of land, which totals 70,945 square feet, from urban hold to residential medium density.
For more information on the project, making donations or life leases, contactNick DiVirgilio at [email protected], Pam Antila at [email protected] or Penny Byer at [email protected].
