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Mansonville can still be home: Seniors’ apartments approved |
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After two years, a Potton residence for seniors has finally been approved by the provincial housing agency.
“It’s about time we got our own,” said Jacques Hebert, president of Potton Residences, “Everyone else has one. Here there is nothing.”
The $1.8 million project will house 18 suites for senior citizens, four to nine of which will be subsidized.
The building will be located on Neil Armstrong Street, north of the Mansonville Elementary School.
“[Our aim is] to keep our seniors here longer, to prolong life in the community they love because this has been a trend in Mansonville, they [seniors] can’t take care of their homes so they move away to senior residences in Cowansville, Sutton, Knowlton, Granby.”
This move means that family must also travel to visit and care for their loved one. “This causes families to leave the area,” said Hebert. “We care about our seniors, especially those with limited incomes.”
The Potton Residences are low cost housing, and the aim is to charge $900 or less per month for rent and services, said Paul Champagne, project consultant from Corporation Memphrémagog Han Logements in Magog. Services will include cleaning and a daily meal at lunch.
The building plan is identical to the cooperative housing development in Eastman, adapted to accommodate seniors and their lifestyles.
Light switches are placed lower, plugs are placed higher on the wall, bathrooms are friendly to those with decreased mobility and those in wheelchairs. There will also be a common room and an elevator.
Construction has already started with the foundation already poured. Champagne said that they expect the residence to be completed by Jan. 1.
“This has been a great demonstration of people coming together for a common cause,” said Hebert.
The idea for a residence originally came from the town hall, he added.
But the Societé d’Habitation du Quebec required that the project be undertaken by a non-profit organization. The town identified an independent group of volunteers to head the initiative.
Nearly half of the project has been subsidized by the Societé d’Habitation du Quebec, said Champagne, which finally approved the plan last month.
Hebert said the town of Mansonville gave from $150,000 to $200,000 to the project and the board of directors is continuing its capital campaign with $60,000 remaining to be raised.
The capital campaign has brought in $140,000 to date by selling 20 “symbolic” doors, said Hebert. Many contributors were weekenders who have made Mansonville their permanent residence.
“What is amazing is there are normal people who have contributed, but half were people who have adopted Mansonville.”
Members of the Potton Residences board of directors will attend Mansonville’s Multicultural Festival on Aug. 9, to accept further contributions. Or call 450-292-4190.
Seniors interested in applying for residency can register at the town hall.
By Nikki Johnston
July 11, 2008 |
Montreal Canadiens
