Community Articles (listed by posting date)
General News · 18th October 2006
Ralph Nursall (CISS)
Watch for activity on the Seniors’ property south of the Health Centre. Clearing of the south half of the lot will soon begin, as plans are developed for seniors’ housing there. Planning by the Cortes Island Seniors Society (CISS) is progressing steadily, with priority on site development and dwelling unit description. Take a look at the model of a potential site plan, which is in the Health Centre. It will give you an idea of what is being considered. Designs for residential accommodation are being evaluated by a committee of seniors concerned with the development. A formal business plan to support discussion with CMHC and potential mortgagers is in preparation. Details of administration, rental rates and terms, qualifications for rental, and all of the details of operating rental facilities are being examined. This winter, you will become aware of increasing activity and energy being devoted to the seniors’ residential project, one that has been in the dreams of the Society since the ‘80s.
The CISS envisages a small community of independent occupants in individual dwelling units, with full utilities and conveniences, easy access, pleasant surroundings, and closeness to most of the island’s social facilities. The site will be developed gradually, beginning small, but with expansion available and expected, in response to need. The CISS residential project is not intended to provide home care, but will be designed for private and independent living, without the responsibility of large dwellings and properties. It will provide a supportive and sociable neighbourhood, at as low a rental to the residents as possible.
The area will be landscaped and maintained. There will be vehicle access, parking and paths. Residents will have the opportunity to have garden of their own, if so inclined.
As well as dwelling units, a recreation building is intended as a Seniors’ Centre, to be located between the Health Centre and the houses. It is a secondary project, to follow the establishment of some dwellings. The Seniors’ Centre could have games space, meeting rooms, a reading room, a hobby room, kitchen facilities, as well as office space for the CISS. A Seniors’ Centre would become a popular gathering place, and provide relief to the crowding of Manson’s Hall – but it will come a little later.
The CISS is already canvassing for possible residents, and interest has been expressed by some people. We are aware of the experience of other communities where such undertakings are in progress. Hornby Island, North Pender Island and Quadra Island all report that when such accommodation becomes available, it is snapped up. The project is something that will fit in very well with the growing and diversifying Cortes community. It is imaginative, exciting and useful! It will provide comfort and convenience, and lessen the cares of elders living there. We want to hear from people who might be interested in taking up residence in such a community.
If you wish to learn more about the project, or take part in its planning and development, or have an interest in future accommodation there, please do not hesitate to get in touch with any one of the following:
Sue Ellingsen 935 6545 suell@oberon.ark.com
Peter Elliott 935 6605 ynystref@oberon.ark.com
Ralph Nursall 935 6620 jralph@twincomm.ca
The CISS envisages a small community of independent occupants in individual dwelling units, with full utilities and conveniences, easy access, pleasant surroundings, and closeness to most of the island’s social facilities. The site will be developed gradually, beginning small, but with expansion available and expected, in response to need. The CISS residential project is not intended to provide home care, but will be designed for private and independent living, without the responsibility of large dwellings and properties. It will provide a supportive and sociable neighbourhood, at as low a rental to the residents as possible.
The area will be landscaped and maintained. There will be vehicle access, parking and paths. Residents will have the opportunity to have garden of their own, if so inclined.
As well as dwelling units, a recreation building is intended as a Seniors’ Centre, to be located between the Health Centre and the houses. It is a secondary project, to follow the establishment of some dwellings. The Seniors’ Centre could have games space, meeting rooms, a reading room, a hobby room, kitchen facilities, as well as office space for the CISS. A Seniors’ Centre would become a popular gathering place, and provide relief to the crowding of Manson’s Hall – but it will come a little later.
The CISS is already canvassing for possible residents, and interest has been expressed by some people. We are aware of the experience of other communities where such undertakings are in progress. Hornby Island, North Pender Island and Quadra Island all report that when such accommodation becomes available, it is snapped up. The project is something that will fit in very well with the growing and diversifying Cortes community. It is imaginative, exciting and useful! It will provide comfort and convenience, and lessen the cares of elders living there. We want to hear from people who might be interested in taking up residence in such a community.
If you wish to learn more about the project, or take part in its planning and development, or have an interest in future accommodation there, please do not hesitate to get in touch with any one of the following:
Sue Ellingsen 935 6545 suell@oberon.ark.com
Peter Elliott 935 6605 ynystref@oberon.ark.com
Ralph Nursall 935 6620 jralph@twincomm.ca