The 36-unit seniors housing facility planned for downtown will be a welcome addition to the city, according to the general manager of the Prince George Council of Seniors.
The Council of Seniors frequently receives calls from seniors looking for affordable, accessible places to live, Lola-Dawn Fennell said.
"Any housing for seniors in the downtown area can only be a plus," Fennell said. "There needs to be more seniors housing and more choices in seniors housing."
Northern Health operates a number of assisted living and residential-care facilities in town, she said, but there is a shortage of affordable seniors-oriented housing for those who do not need that level of service.
Many seniors choose to live in regular apartment and condominium buildings, she said, which is perfect for some seniors.
For others, particularly those with mobility issues, there is a need for accessible housing with few or no stairs, wider hallways, wider doors, wheelchair accessible bathrooms and bathrooms and bedrooms on a single floor.
The proposed downtown location is a good choice, Fennell said, because it will offer easy access to services.
"We're aware of a number of people living around the periphery of the city. Transportation is always an issue," Fennell said. "And we all know that bringing people into the downtown will be good for downtown. I'd call it a win-win."
