A dream that has been more than 10 years in the making for the Kootenay Society for Community Living (KSCL) is finally coming true with the opening of Eagle Estates.
It was 2015 when the society that supports individuals with developmental disabilities as well as other individuals that require affordable housing first approached the City of Castlegar with a request for land.
Now, a decade and many grant applications later, Eagle Estates at 1101 2nd St. in downtown Castlegar is ready to welcome its first residents. The development features eight one-bedroom apartments on the upper floor, providing affordable housing for individuals with low or moderate incomes.
The ground floor is home to a five-bedroom, staffed living space for adults with developmental disabilities. Tenants will have access to full-time, on-site support services funded by Community Living BC.
"Eagle Estates is an incredible example of what happens when community organizations, different levels of government and local leadership work together to meet real needs," said Mayor Maria McFaddin. "This development brings more than just housing to Castlegar. It brings dignity, opportunity and a sense of belonging to the people who live here."
The new building is a partnership between KSCL who owns and operates the building, the province (through BC Housing), the City of Castlegar and Columbia Basin Trust.
The project was funded through a $3.3 million grant from the provincial government, $650,000 from the National Housing Co-Investment Fund; $821,000 from Columbia Basin Trust and $1.4 million from additional provincial-federal grants.
KSCL provided $1.1 million in capital and the land for the building, and the City of Castlegar waived $48,000 in development fees.
