About
Pender Harbour Seniors Housing Society
For over 25 years there has been much concern and discussion about the lack of affordable seniors housing in Pender Harbour. In an effort to address and resolve this situation the Area A Seniors Housing Project was formed in 1990 as a registered non-profit society.
The most visible change for our group is our name. “Pender Harbour Seniors Housing” reflects as closely as possible our objective of creating affordable seniors housing in this area. Over the next few months, you can expect to see signage in the area to reflect this change.
We have completed an unbiased survey on the need for seniors housing in this area, referred to now as the Matt Thompson Study. Such documentation was one of the first things identified by the Legion housing expert Dave MacDonald and the lack of same stood in the way of any application for government funding. We received CMHC funding to complete this survey, and the results are what spurred us to redesign the units to accommodate affordable seniors housing.
Serviced land was donated by Ryan and Sue Campbell in their Lily Lake subdivision and the society decided to proceed with the Abbeyfield concept of senior's housing. Abbeyfield consists of rented bachelor suites clustered around a central kitchen with a live-in attendant. Much effort and fundraising was put into having such a project established but it was not successful in attracting enough clients. This was due mainly to the fact that most seniors want at least one separate bedroom in their final home.
The name of our society was officially changed to Pender Harbour Seniors Housing Society as a result the 2012 AGM and since then the Board has been in conversation with the Pender Harbour Legion about the possibility of building condominiums for seniors on Legion property. With that in mind a professional Needs Assessment has been completed that indicates we should build 30 condominiums for seniors in Pender! That has now being followed up with a survey of seniors asking specific details about what they would desire in their condominium home.
While in a state of change, please be assured that all funds that have been accumulated through the many Community dances, bake sales and donations remain secure. It is Community interest in Seniors Housing that first created our organization and the funds and volunteer hours that have been donated, by both the Community and Board members past and present, are a solemn trust!
The Healthy Meal Program will continue without pause. This very successful effort has been assisting area seniors for some time and we are proud of both the program and the members of our Society and the Community that allow that to happen!
For the past several years we have been working with building and floor-plan designs developed with expertise from local designers and builders. Over the years our board of directors have been instrumental in leading us step by step towards success.
Several years ago, a major move was to step back, at least for the time being, from a commitment to the Abbeyfield Model of Seniors Housing. We feel that our commitment at this point in time has to be to “Affordable Seniors Housing” rather than a particular model. The choice of a particular model will come from the community over time and, while the Abbeyfield model is not eliminated as a possibility, community needs will dictate any final direction.
Our Board of Directors
The experience and skills of our Directors evolve as the Board changes from year to year. All of our Directors have a commitment to the Pender Harbour area and to providing assistance to seniors. Currently, our Directors represent experience in senior's care, small business, real estate, fundraising and project management. There is a strong record of community service within our Board that also exhibits ties to many community organizations and churches in the Pender Harbour area.
Les Falk, Chairperson
Mike Carson, Vice Chairperson
Alan Skelley, Co-Vice Chairperson
Ron Seymour, Secretary-Treasurer
Dennis Cotter, Director
Ann Munroe, Director In Memory
