Supporting improvements to seniors’ housing

Enhancing spaces for health, comfort and social connection in 27 communities

— Photo courtesy the Columbia Basin Trust

Seniors across the Basin will soon enjoy upgraded spaces that promote wellness and connection. Non-profit seniors’ rental housing buildings are making improvements to common areas, outdoor spaces, and accessibility, creating more opportunities for gathering, recreation and physical activity. These upgrades will enhance the livability of seniors' homes, fostering health, comfort and stronger community ties.

“Seniors are vital members of our communities, and it’s important to help them feel as comfortable and connected as possible in their local housing,” said Ulli Mueller, Senior Manager, Delivery of Benefits, Columbia Basin Trust. “It’s rewarding to support these upgrades—from new furniture and exercise equipment to raised garden beds and accessibility enhancements—which create vibrant, welcoming spaces that encourage social participation increase physical activity and improve overall well-being.”

With over $1.5 million in Trust support, these projects will enhance 33 seniors’ residences with over 1,000 affordable rental housing units in 27 communities.

To see all projects the Trust is supporting, click here.

South Country Seniors Enjoy New Social and Outdoor Spaces

Seniors in Baynes Lake and Jaffray will have more opportunities to socialize and stay active with recent upgrades. At Spirit Pond Haven, new raised garden beds, a refurbished gazebo and LED lighting will create an inviting outdoor space for gatherings. Pinewood Manor’s common room will be upgraded with a new TV and activity table, perfect for games and crafts. Meanwhile, new outdoor furniture, a BBQ, and additional raised garden beds will transform an underused patio into a vibrant space for residents to connect and enjoy the outdoors.

“Creating spaces that bring people together, encourage movement and foster a sense of community is essential for well-being,” said Katey Taylor, Building Manager for Baynes Lake Seniors Housing and South Country Housing Project Society. “Sometimes it’s hard to form friendships later in life. These additions—from the activity table to the garden beds—will help residents stay engaged and socially connected.”

Rossland Seniors Engage

At Esling Park Lodge in Rossland, a series of upgrades will make the common area more inviting and functional and significantly improve residents' daily lives. New furnishings, including stacking chairs, TV trays, a television, couches and an electric fireplace, will create a comfortable and social environment. A new fridge with a bottom freezer will make it easier for residents to host gatherings and accommodate those with mobility challenges.

“The people who live at Esling are going to love these new upgrades,” said Bill Profili, Chair of the Rossland Seniors Housing Society. “One of the cornerstones of any community is the opportunity to connect. These improvements will make our common space more inviting—whether for coffee meet-ups, movie nights or cheering on favourite teams during playoffs.” 

Valemount Residents Get Active and Grow Connections

In Valemount, seniors living in three affordable residences—Golden Years Lodge, Valemount House and the new Ash Street—will enjoy enhancements that promote both physical activity and community connection.

At Golden Years Lodge, an underused basement space will be transformed into a fitness area with a heat recovery ventilator and new exercise equipment. The space will be open to seniors from all three residences, as well as others in the community.

“Getting the exercise room up and running was a priority for us,” said Rob Henniger, Building Manager for all three seniors’ residences. “People here are active in the warmer months—gardening, walking—but they needed a safe way to stay active in the winter. This new space will support both physical health and social well-being.”

At Valemount House, a community made up of townhouses, residents rely on outdoor spaces for socializing and staying active. New raised garden beds and outdoor gathering areas will encourage year-round engagement.

Meanwhile, at the new Ash Street residence, set to open this spring small clusters of furniture in the hallways are designed to act as “social cubes” to encourage casual interactions among neighbours.

“These upgrades are huge for us,” said Donnie MacLean, Chair of the Valemount Seniors Housing Society. “In this type of housing, it’s easy for people to become socially isolated. The fitness room, raised garden beds, gazebo and social cubes will encourage residents to step out of their homes, connect with each other, and feel more engaged in their community.”

Columbia Basin Trust supports the efforts of the people in the Columbia Basin to strengthen social, economic and environmental well-being. To learn more about the Trust’s programs and initiatives, visit ourtrust.org or call 1.800.505.8998.