Recent History – 2002
June 18, 2002
DAWSON CREEK — The Dawson Creek Society for Community Living (DCSCL) will be in charge of operating the Southview supportive seniors complex when it opens.
“Dawson Creek Society for Community Living (DCSCL) has the experience and expertise required to make the management of the new supportive seniors complex a success,” said George Caisley, acting chair of the Southview Housing Society, in a press release issued Monday.
Located next to the new Rotary Manor at 1111-90th Ave., the 31-unit Southview facility allows seniors to live on their own, yet with access to home care services and services at Rotary Manor, and the two are connected with a heated, enclosed walkway.
About a year ago, DCSCL opened their 34-unit Aurora housing development for low income and physically challenged people, on 102nd Avenue.
Both Southview and Aurora were developed through B.C. Housing.
“DCSCL has the experience required to select tenants, maintain facilities and deal with complicated B.C. Housing formulas,” Caisley said. “This is a real win-win for Southview, DCSCL, the Northern Health Authority and the people of the South Peace.”
The new Rotary Manor, a long-term care facility, will continue to be operated by the Northern Health Authority, with staff there supplying an optional amenity package to seniors at Southview.
The package will include a laundry service, various health care clinics including foot care, an exercise program and a monthly food service. Seniors also have the option of cooking in their own apartments or taking one or two meals daily in the care facility’s dining room.
DCSCL chair Ken Watson also expressed satisfaction with the announcement, noting it will help DCSCL achieve an economy of scale to support their housing division.
“The Southview board’s action clearly demonstrates faith in our society’s ability to take on new responsibilities,” Watson said. “It’s really a feather in the cap for DCSCL-Aurora housing staff and we are ready for this new challenge.”
Members of the Southview Society have been working for the past three years bringing their project to fruition. The $4.2 million project was announced in spring of 2000 with construction starting last fall.
Southview is expected to be ready for occupancy on August 1.
The principal aim of Southview is to provide independent apartments for seniors with health issues. First priority is for seniors aged 75 and older fitting the profile, with the second priority for people aged 65 to 74.
Staff from the Northern Health Authority will join with DCSCL staff in assessing potential tenants for eligibility.
Potential tenants should contact Debbie Pavlis at the Dawson Creek Society for Community Living, 1334-102nd Ave. for applications.
And interview process will select the final tenants.