The Kitimat Valley Housing Society (KVHS) is distributing surveys across the community for individuals aged 50 and older as it works to develop much-needed seniors’ housing in Kitimat. The society says community participation is critical to securing funding for a project that aims to provide accessible, affordable housing for aging residents.
Corinne Scott, a spokesperson for KVHS, emphasized the urgent need for seniors' housing in Kitimat. “The District of Kitimat actually completed a door-to-door survey of all the rental properties available, and there was absolutely nothing suitable for seniors,” she said. “Mostly because of the accessibility of the buildings—there are three-story apartment walk-ups and houses with shared spaces. None of them are suitable.”
The society has launched its own survey to better understand seniors’ housing needs. According to Scott, affordability is also a major concern, compounding the lack of accessibility. “We have done this survey because there is absolutely no facility for seniors to stay in Kitimat if they want to downsize from their houses,” she explained.
Scott noted that Kitimat was originally built in the 1950s for young working families, without consideration for aging residents. “Now we’re behind the eight ball,” she said. “A number of seniors have been moving away from the community because there isn’t suitable housing for them when they want to downsize or if they can no longer manage their homes.”
A proposed seniors' housing project would be an apartment complex featuring Assisted Living, Supportive Housing, and Independent Housing. It is planned for a location next to Blackberry Estates in Strawberry Meadows, within walking distance of doctors’ offices, the hospital, and downtown.
The survey asks seniors to consider not only their current housing needs but also what they may require in the future. “We’re asking people to think ahead—whether they might need one-bedroom or two-bedroom units, possibly duplex-style living,” Scott said. “It’s not just about what you need right now, but what you’ll need down the line.”
The survey is available at several locations around Kitimat, including the hospital, Rainforest Pharmacy, the 50+ Seniors Centre, and the Haisla Elders Centre. It is also accessible online at www.kvhs.ca.
