Merrittonians over the age of 55 could soon have a brand new housing option in town.
ASK Wellness Society is set to receive $4 million from the provincial government to build a 40-unit senior’s housing complex in downtown Merritt.
In a news release issued today, the provincial government declared 4,900 new affordable mixed-income rental homes will be built in 42 communities across the province.
The new homes are designed to address the need for affordable housing across a range of income levels.
“Years of inaction on the B.C. housing crisis left families struggling to get by and unable to get ahead,” Premier John Horgan said in the release. “These new, affordable rental homes are an important step toward addressing the housing crisis and giving families in every part of the province a break from skyrocketing housing costs.”
ASK Wellness’ executive director told the Herald the three-storey, 25,500 square foot building in Merritt will contain 10 studio units, 26 one-bedroom units and four one-bedroom wheelchair-adaptable units.
“The costs to build right now are very high. It is very difficult to build anything, frankly. But we are looking at an estimate of around $250 per square foot,” Bob Hughes said, noting they will be financing the project.
Hughes confirmed the new development will be in downtown Merritt. They are hoping to break ground in October of 2019.
“It always takes longer than you expect but our hope is that we would be in occupancy for November of 2020,” he said, adding the development will help fill a housing void in Merritt.
“There’s just nothing out there — it is amazing,” he said. “When someone asks me what housing is needed I just say ‘Any.’”
