The Village of Chase is anticipating a newly-approved home for seniors and people with disabilities might be shovel-ready before the end of this year.
Chase is one of 15 communities, including the Village of Ashcroft, which saw the provincial government approve funding for this past week.
In Chase, the provincial dollars — which have not been specified — will be put toward a 37 unit project next to the local arena.
Village Chief Administrative Officer Joni Heinrich says while most of the local support the building of the new seniors facility, there has been some local opposition to the location, as it had been previously earmarked for more recreational opportunities.
“The intent of it 25 years ago, or more, when the arena was built, that it would allow for additional building on to the arena, or building another recreation type of facility, perhaps a pool or something like that,” noted Heinrich.
However, she says Village council has agreed the location is best suited at this point for the new project.
“It’s very, very close to a local grocery store and dentist’s office and a bunch of other amenities,” said Heinrich. “It’s within walking distance of pretty much everything within the village.”
Heinrich says once the development permits are secured, she anticipates construction could get underway by the end of the year, with an 18 month to 2-year window for completion.
“All of their design drawings are good to go. But [they] still have to go through the building permit process and preparation at the site and all that kind of stuff. We’re looking at probably 6 to 8 months,” suggested Heinrich.
The new facility is to be run by the Kamloops-based Oncore Seniors Society.