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Changing the housing landscape for retirees in Chilliwack

August 16, 2013

Published: August 15, 2013 12:00 PM
Updated: August 15, 2013 12:26 PM
It’s a new condo development that will change the housing landscape for retirees — in Chilliwack and across the province.

Ground was broken last week on the Englewood Courtyard project, located on a 2.75 acre property on Keith Wilson Road.

The first phase will see construction of a $10.5 million apartment building with 40 units, set to become the tallest wood-frame structure in Chilliwack at five storeys, specifically crafted for baby boomers.

“We are thrilled to be breaking ground for our Englewood Courtyard project and proud to partner with both the B.C. government and SAFERhome Standards Society to create homes that will meet the changing needs of homeowners as they age,” said Mark Perry of Englewood Courtyard Management before the groundbreaking ceremony.

He offered facts and figures, floating the notion that two groups of B.C. baby boomers will be looking to downsize, buy down, and free up equity in the next 15 years or so. The younger cohort has existing mortgages, while the older group of boomers has free and clear title to their homes worth an estimated $88 billion dollars in B.C., Perry noted.

So it’s only logical to start building housing stock with all of this in mind, he told the crowd.

“In seeing these population demographics it is ever apparent that we, as developers, should build products that buyers of today and in the future will want,” Perry said.

“It makes no sense at all to build a condo building with the wrong design for the baby boomer of the future.”

The number of 65- to 74-year-olds in the B.C. by 2027 will rise 69 per cent, from 191,000 to 322,000 people.

The project is a leasehold development on Tzeachten First Nation land.

The groundbreaking was also an opportunity to announce a pilot research project, between BC Housing’s Homeowner Protection Office, SAFERhome Standards Society and the developer, looking at the true costs and benefits of the 19-point list of universal design elements set to be used in Englewood Courtyard construction.

“Universal design” is geared to planning for changing lifestyles and accessibility needs, such as installing lower light switches, no thresholds and wider doorways, which make it easier for seniors to age in place. One feature focuses on a high-tech solution, linking phone lines, video and computer systems.

But most of the standards don’t cost anything extra to implement and install if they’re incorporated into the initial design from the get-go.

“Universal design is about everyone,” said SAFERhome standards executive director Patrick Simpson in the release. “It’s a way of keeping children safer, a way of more easily having grandparents live or visit at home, and a way to age in place with dignity.

“Universal design creates more inclusive communities and supports inter-generational living.”

It’s a first research project of its kind for the non-profit SAFERhome Standards Society, which together with Englewood Courtyard developers, will be incorporating the universal standards into the multi-unit residential complex.

The province through HPO is providing $93,600 to cover SAFERhome inspection and certification costs for all 156 units.

“Making homes more accessible for those who wish to age in place is an important step in helping B.C. residents remain independent in the community,” said Chilliwack MLA John Martin.

“Our government will continue to seek out and support innovative solutions that meet the diverse housing needs of British Columbians at all stages of life.”

The research study connected with the Englewood project will be completed and published in 2015.

For more on affordable housing in B.C. visit: www.bchousing.org or www.hpo.bc.ca

To learn more about the 19 universal design standards: www.saferhomesociety.com

[email protected]

Twitter.com/chwkjourno

NEWS RELEASE

Ministry of Natural Gas Development and Minister Responsible for Housing

Chilliwack– The B.C. government in partnership with SAFERhome Standard Society will conduct a pilot research study to gather data on the costs and benefits of incorporating universal design features which help meet the changing needs of homeowners in residential buildings.

The Society will work with Englewood Courtyard Management Ltd to incorporate their 19-point SAFERhome standards and achieve SAFERhome certification for up to 156 units at the new Englewood Courtyard development located at 45750 Keith Wilson Road in Chilliwack.

The Government of B.C., through BC Housing’s Homeowner Protection Office (HPO), will provide up to $93,600 for the SAFERhome certification of units.

The 19-point SAFERhome standards create homes that are built for changing lifestyle needs over time, including wider doorframes with little to no thresholds, wider hallways and stairs, easier access to bath/shower controls and electrical outlets and smart-ready technology to connect phone lines, video and computer systems.

Quotes:

John Martin, MLA for Chilliwack

“Our government strives towards making more accessible homes available for those who wish to age in place and the SAFERhome certification is a step forward in this direction. We will continue to seek out and support innovative solutions that meet the diverse housing needs of British Columbians at all stages of life.”

Patrick Simpson, Executive Director, SAFERhome Standards Society –

“Universal design is about everyone. It’s a way of keeping children safer, a way of more easily having grandparents live or visit at home, and a way to age in place with dignity. Universal design creates more inclusive communities and supports inter-generational living.  Our partnership with Englewood Courtyard Management Ltd is our first research project with a developer to incorporate our 19-point SAFERhome standards into a multi-unit residential building. We hope to build more partnerships with developers and to use the research HPO will gather to change the landscape of housing for British Columbians today and into the future. ”

Mark Perry, Principal, Englewood Courtyard Management Ltd

“We are thrilled to be breaking ground for our Englewood Courtyard project and proud to partner with both the BC government and SAFERhome Standard Society to create homes that will meet the changing needs of homeowners as they age.”

Quick Facts:

  • SAFERhome Standard Society is a non-profit, public interest organization established in 2004. SAFERhome promotes the adoption and use of housing standards and practices to create safe, healthy and sustainable homes for everyone in the community.
  • In 2008, the Government of B.C. provided a $100,000 grant to SAFERhome Standards Society to assist them in implementing their certification and education programs to create safe, healthy and sustainable homes for aging in place.
  • Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $3.6 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families. This year, more than 98,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial housing programs and services.
  • In 2012-13, the B.C. government invested over $5.7 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for nearly 1,200 Chilliwack households.

Learn More:

Fergus McCann
BC Housing
778 452-6445

Connect with the Government of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect

 

Media Advisory: Englewood Courtyard will officially open on August 10th 2013

HILLIWACK, BC (August 1st, 2013) – Chilliwack’s newest development, Englewood Courtyard, will officially open on August 10th 2013, in a groundbreaking ceremony featuring local dignitaries and residents of the neighbouring community, Englewood Village.

Englewood Courtyard will be Chilliwack’s tallest wood-frame structure. It is aimed at retirees who are looking for quality construction in a friendly and breathtakingly picturesque neighbourhood. The opening weekend will feature a special offer – $25,000 off the purchase price of the first 10 units sold on floors one to four.

As well, a local charity will be revealed as the recipient of a $500 donation from each of the first forty homes sold in Englewood Courtyard; a total of $20,000.

Englewood Courtyard is a condo development on Keith Wilson Road, built to SAFERhome standards. This means retirees benefit from a number of features designed to make their lives easier as they enjoy life-after-work: homes will include (amongst other things) wider doorways, higher electrical outlets and lower light switches as standard; seemingly small concessions, but significant to the independence of couples or single occupants.

Englewood Courtyard is the latest phase of an adult resort style retiree community. A large state-of-the-art clubhouse, which also opens August 10th, will provide a central meeting point and will include luxury features for residents to enjoy.

WHEN: August 10th 2013, 12:45pm arrival for 1pm start

WHAT: Official launch of Englewood Courtyard, Chilliwack’s newest retirement community aimed at retirees from 45 years and up

WHERE: Englewood Village, Keith Wilson Road, Chilliwack, BC

WHO: Chief Campbell from Tzeachten First Nation, John Martin – MLA for Chilliwack, Councillor Chuck Stam – City of Chilliwack, representatives of the SAFERhome program and Mark Perry – Englewood Village

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For more information, please contact:
Gina Vesnaver
Curve Communications
[email protected]
604-248-4203