Jan Morton and Tom Hart, on behalf of the Trail and District Senior Citizens’ Villa Society, presented to Trail council last week.
They provided information about a proposal being submitted to BC Housing’s Community Housing Fund to redevelop the seniors housing complex in Shaver’s Bench, located at 1955 Seventh Avenue. If their funding request is approved, the plan is to increase the number of units from 23 to 41.
Hart outlined the proposal that includes a phased approach to replace existing buildings with a new three-story 20-unit structure followed by a second phase to replace the third and fourth buildings with a second new 21-unit building. To complete the development, the 21-unit structure will be connected to the first with covered walkways.
Hart indicated the society is seeking the support of council in that the property will have to be rezoned if the funding proposal is successful.
Furthermore, he indicated that if the project is green-lighted, consideration of property tax relief may be required given the property currently holds a statutory exemption that will lapse if the new development proceeds.
Morton requested a letter of support to include with the BC Housing proposal given the redevelopment will provide much needed affordable seniors housing options in Trail.
Later in the meeting council agreed to write a letter of support for the expansion.
At this point, half of the redevelopment would continue to be tax exempt as it is considered a “renovation” to an existing structure. The other half would then be up for consideration.
The Villa is an independent living rental complex, currently housing 10 studio suites and 13 one bedroom units for low income seniors.
It is owned and administered by the Trail and District Senior Citizens’ Villa Society.
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