The Canadian Mental Health Association is looking to build a six-storey affordable housing complex in the city. The 65-unit building will have a combination of barrier free suites, bachelor suites, and one bedroom apartments. Executive Director Debra Stoner explains that the facility is needed.
“We currently operate Willow Place which is a 57 unit affordable housing for individuals who have mental health or complex needs in a state of recovery. We found that we were getting a lot of requests for suites that we couldn’t provide.”
Stoner says it is important for residents of the building be closer to transportation and services downtown. For that reason, the organization hopes to build the complex near Rotary House along 97A Street. This is pending city council approving a land swap.
On top of the variety of suites, the building will have a variety of uses as well. It will include a dining hall with a commercial kitchen as well as community living spaces. Stoner says the kitchen will be used as a source of income for the organization.
CMHA is in the process of locking down the funds for the project, but the estimated cost is $13 million. The plans have been in the works for approximately two years. Stoner says they are hoping to begin construction in the spring.
