AN IMPORTANT HOUSING PROJECT IS MOVING ANOTHER STEP TOWARD BECOMING A REALITY IN THE COUNTY. THERE WILL BE A KEY EXCHANGE BETWEEN PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY MAYOR STEVE FERGUSON AND LOVESONG SENIORS HOUSING AND COMMUNITY HUB AT 10 a.m. MONDAY OCTOBER 5 AT THE SITE OF THE FORMER PINECREST MEMORIAL SCHOOL IN BLOOMFIELD. BELOW IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM LOVESONG.
As the local housing crisis continues, seniors in Prince Edward County are unable to find decent, safe and affordable housing options that meet their needs as they age. An exciting and transformative co-housing model being developed by the LoveSong group combines personal privacy with the benefits of living in a community where people know and interact with their neighbours. It’s about living in a way that’s responsive to a world that has changed dramatically in the last 50 years.
“The Co-Housing concept offers hope to seniors in Prince Edward County who aren’t sure about their future in the community they love and where they and their families have lived for generations,” said LoveSong member Donna Rodgers. “Together we can build a better place for seniors to live, a place where they can know their neighbours and a place where they can enjoy and contribute to a rich sense of community.”
Lovesong’s plan is to renovate the former Pinecrest Memorial Elementary School to accommodate 50 housing units of approximately 400 sq. ft. Each unit would be equipped with a bed/sitting area, kitchenette, private bathroom/shower and doors to the inside hallways and outdoor space. Half of the units will be rented at fair market value and the other will be geared to income.
The existing gymnasium will serve both the residents of LoveSong as well as members of the surrounding community with access to recreational and cultural activities including fitness classes, theatre and hobby/meeting facilities – a cultural hub for Bloomfield.
The large 20-acre site will provide space for a community garden, and lend itself to potential future partnerships as phase 2 -5 of the project are developed.
We anticipate this $10 million project to commence Fall 2021 and opening the following year under the direction of the Springale Development Corporation, Andy and Phil Spry.
In preparation, we are applying for grants from the Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments, Fundraising and will be preparing the site for the remodelling by removing existing cupboards, lockers, blackboards and assorted furnishings – look on the community yard sale web site for this event.
Recently County of Prince Edward Mayor Steve Ferguson toured the facility and expressed his endorsement of the not-for profit senior housing need and site.
For more information please visit our website:
www.lovesonghousing.org or call Ken How at 613- 476-0161.
