An artists rendering of Cookie's Place, a new 37-unit affordable housing project for seniors in Kamloops. (Photo via ASK Wellness)
Cookies Place, a 37-unit affordable housing project in Kamloops, has finally opened its doors to seniors with low to moderate incomes.
Located at 1260 Hillside Ct., the government says Cookies Place is close to local amenities including an on-site restaurant with monthly rents for the one-bedroom units ranging from $375 to $900, depending on the income of a tenant.
The facility is named after well-known local housing advocate and long-time ASK Wellness volunteer, Cookie Reimer, who among other things raised more than $300,000 to support people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
“I am incredibly honoured to have this building named after me, in recognition of my 30 years volunteering for ASK,” said Reimer. “I am also thrilled for the new occupants to have such a lovely place to call home.”
Construction began in 2020 after the BC Government partnered with both the City of Kamloops and ASK Wellness Society – who will own and operate this rental facility.
The province provided $3.9 million towards the project as well as about $220,000 in annual operating costs. ASK Wellness contributed the land valued at $817,000, while the city of Kamloops provided $130,000 in municipal waivers.
“We are extremely excited for what this new housing will provide to the City of Kamloops, in particular for seniors who have found it challenging to find safe and affordable housing,” ASK Wellness CEO, Bob Hughes said, in a statement.
“After nearly 30 years in operation, we have seen the growing gap in accessible housing for seniors. With Cookie’s Place, we are narrowing that gap and honouring the needs of our local aging population.”
In a statement, Mayor Ken Christian said the reopening of this housing project “is a day to celebrate.”
“I first met Cookie in Lillooet in the late ’70s. Cookie is a consummate volunteer who values community over self,” he said. “This seniors’ facility bearing her name is a testament to how much Cookie believes in the contribution of our elderly to civil society, and how we shall be measured by how well we care for them.”
