As quickly as the doors were opened, the rooms were full at the Jack Nelson Annex seniors' apartments on Medusa Street in Sechelt.
The new four storey, 65-unit affordable housing project was officially opened by the Sunshine Coast Lions Housing Society on Jan. 27.
Society president Brian Leckie said the demand for seniors' affordable housing was felt years ago when the project first got started and he wasn't surprised the rooms were spoken for as soon as they were made available.
"We realized this dream about five years ago. We decided that seniors' affordable housing was needed. We had a huge waiting list," Leckie said.
Many of the people on that waiting list were accommodated by the new housing complex, but more are still waiting.
"Now this building is full and there's a waiting list for people who want to get into the next building," Leckie said, adding the Lions Club has plans to build another 37 units or more in a second building in the future.
However, last Friday was about celebrating what has been accomplished so far and Leckie was eager to unveil the first phase of the completed project to the public.
About 100 people came out to celebrate and tour the new suites.
"So we've added 65 units to the Greencourt complex, which now brings us to a total of 139 units in this complex, which we are really proud of," Leckie said.
The building took many years to complete, partially due to the cost of the project, which Leckie noted was about $10 million.
"This whole project would not have happened if it wasn't for the commitment of BC Housing, the District of Sechelt, the federal government and all the volunteers, all the donations received from Sunshine Coast Credit Union, Delta Cable, CMHC [Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation], our Lions club and every other organization that not only gave of their time, gave money, supported us - we couldn't have done it without you. Thank you very much," he said at the opening ceremony.
Member of Parliament for West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky Country John Weston said he was pleased the federal government was able to kick in more than $2.3 million in funding.
"I know that finding suitable affordable accommodation in this part of the world can be a challenge for many seniors and people with disabilities, and I'm pleased that our government has helped address this need here in Sechelt," Weston said.
The provincial government also gave $2.3 million to the project and MLA for West Vancouver - Sea to Sky Joan McIntyre was on hand to speak on behalf of the province.
"The partners on this project all have a common goal, and that was to create housing that allows seniors to remain in the community that they know and where they feel comfortable, in a place where both their emotional and physical needs can be met. Our government is committed to investing in those kinds of projects that really make significant differences in people's lives," McIntyre said.
The District of Sechelt waived $508,226 in development cost charges for the project and provided tax exemptions for ten years. Sechelt Mayor John Henderson was on hand to congratulate the Lions on behalf of the District for a job well done.
"I congratulate you on your persistence and your dedication to this cause," he said, adding a thank you to the two previous councils that have worked with the Lions on the project over the years. "Your commitment to the well being of our community and the positive can-do attitude of all the volunteer organizations in Sechelt is really what makes this such a special, special town."
The new housing complex has been named the Jack Nelson Annex in honour of the Lion who was well loved on the Coast.
"Jack Nelson was a charter member of our club. He was a member for over 40 years. He was the original Sunshine Coast Lions Club historian," Leckie said. "Jack personified Lions. He was a great member. We miss him dearly and we're proud as a Lions club to be able to name this building after him."
After the celebrations were over, Leckie said he hoped to be back in the same spot soon, marking the completion of phase two.
"Hopefully we're going to be standing here in the next little while and doing this again," he said.
