RICHMOND - Seniors are moving into 107 new affordable assisted-living homes in Richmond, which will allow them to live more independently and stay connected to their community.

"This new development will make a huge difference to many families in our community," said Kelly Greene, MLA for Richmond-Steveston. "Seniors deserve to have a safe, affordable and supportive place to live near family and friends, and it is really important that we have those services available when seniors need them."

Located at 4388 Garry St. in the heart of the Steveston neighbourhood, Wisteria Place has opened its doors. The four-storey building provides a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom rental homes for seniors with moderate incomes.

"This new housing project will provide security and peace of mind for seniors in Richmond; something that everyone should have," said Mable Elmore, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors Services and Long Term Care. "Our government will continue to work in partnership to build new affordable homes like these, which support our seniors to live independently in their communities."

Wisteria Place is led by Wisteria Seniors Health and Housing Society, which selected Optima Living to operate this housing. The development offers a range of amenities and services, including three meals per day, as well as activities like tai chi and fitness classes.

"To us, this project represents the aspiration to create a better future for all people, of all cultures and faiths and walks of life," said Karim Kassam, co-founder and principal of Optima Living. "We want our residents to experience what it means to live in harmony - with each other and within themselves."

The Province provided a $5.6-million grant for the project, which was built on land owned by the Steveston Buddhist Temple.

"Wisteria Place will be a welcoming home for seniors within the community and seniors at large," said Rev. Grant Ikuta, Minister of the Steveston Buddhist Temple. "Right now, I think there is a shortage of affordable seniors housing and Wisteria Place will be able to fulfil those needs."

The project is close to Steveston Park and the community centre, shops and amenities.

Learn More:

More information about Wisteria Place can be found here: https://wisteriaplace.ca/

A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available online: https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC

To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians, visit: https://workingforyou.gov.bc.ca/

Contacts:

Ministry of Attorney General and Responsible for Housing
Media Relations
778 678-1572

BC Housing
Media Relations
media@bchousing.org