Sandy’s Weblog

There is a gap between residences for seniors who are completely independent and seniors who need extensive care. An addition to Résidence Murray, in Sherbrooke, Que., fills that gap, providing care for seniors who need only 30 minutes of care a day. Résidence Murray already has 60 affordable housing units for low-income seniors in the Sherbrooke area in Quebec’s Eastern Townships. The expansion adds 32 units, 16 of which are reserved for people with moderate incomes.

The Affordable Housing Solution

The addition responds to a growing demand for housing for people who need limited care. There is already a waiting list for the addition, as the existing residence is at full occupancy.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) interest-free Proposal Development Funding loan provided $70,000 to the builder for development of the proposal to build affordable housing. To proceed with the project, at a cost estimated at $4.9 million, the developer refinanced the existing part of the building and obtained 95 per cent financing for the new phase.

The developer also benefited from CMHC’s mortgage loan insurance flexibilities. Monthly rents in the addition will range from $1,250 to $1,500. The rent includes three meals a day and electricity. Services such as housekeeping, clothes cleaning and various care services will also be offered at reasonable additional cost. Helping the seniors, says Sandy Hutchens, rests on our shoulders.