Affordable seniors housing opens in Cranbrook

Government and organizations have partnered to provide much needed housing in Cranbrook

(L to R) Garry Merkel, Columbia Basin Trust board chair; Scott Manjak, mayor of Cranbrook; Bill Bennett, MLA for Kootenay East; Kevin Weaver, VP of the Canadian Mental Health Association; and David Wilks, MP for Kootenay East cut the ribbon at Baker Gardens. — Dan Williams photo

Thirty-six brand new modular units for seniors and persons with disabilities have been completed in Cranbrook, with tenants moving into Baker Gardens in late September.

A partnership between federal, provincial and municipal governments along with the Columbia Basin Trust, the project offers affordable and safe housing. Located at 1501 First Street South, the housing project facing Baker Park is set in a placid and serene setting. Shopping, community services and other amenities are within walking distance.

The capital cost of this initiative is approximately $5.6 million, with the City of Cranbrook providing the land and waiving development costs. The Government of Canada provided just over $2 million and the provincial government rounded out the total with $2.2 million in funding.

“Developments like this offer residents a comfortable home and they are a vital part of a vibrant and healthy community,” said Bill Bennett, MLA for Kootenay East.

The Canadian Mental Health Association - Kootenays will manage and operate Baker Gardens.

The need for more affordable housing for seniors and people with disabilities has been a key priority for Cranbrook’s mayor and city council.

“That is why we are proud to contribute and partner with all involved in this project, making the opening of Baker Gardens a reality, benefiting our community as a whole,” said Mayor Scott Manjak.