The new affordable housing complex, currently under construction in Fruitvale, has officially been named.
The Lower Columbia Affordable Housing Society and the Village of Fruitvale announced Wednesday that the rental housing building at 96 Deadmarsh Ave. will be named Blizzard Mountain Place.
"We are ecstatic to see another piece of our plan for the middle school site rise out of the ground following years of planning by our partners and the Village of Fruitvale," says Mayor Steve Morissette.
"Giving it a name makes us realize this is really happening."
The name picks up on a local geographical landmark at the outskirts of Fruitvale known as Blizzard Mountain.
At an elevation of 1,023 meters, the peak is situated near Columbia Gardens overlooking the communities of Fruitvale and Montrose as well as Area A of the Kootenay Boundary Regional District.
The society and village say it's a familiar and comforting landmark that marks the southwest entry to the Beaver Valley.
Blizzard Mountain Place was one of the many creative suggestions submitted by community members to the society and the municipality for consideration during the naming competition held earlier in the year.
The society and village thank everyone for their thoughtful contributions.
When complete in Fall of 2025, Blizzard Mountain Place will include 31 one, two and three-bedroom units, a meeting space for tenants on the main floor and outdoor amenities, including a shared food garden space and a play area for children.
"We are thrilled to be working closely with the Village of Fruitvale to create new units of affordable housing for families, seniors and adults with diverse abilities," says the society's Jan Morton.
"It represents an early step in developing housing and other amenities on the grounds of the former Beaver Valley Middle School," she adds.
"It is an excellent location for much-needed housing, with easy access to the elementary school, the recently opened childcare centre, playing fields and downtown commercial services."
This project is made possible with funding from BC Housing, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Columbia Basin Trust, Teck Trail Operations and the Kootenay Savings Community Foundation.
