Tuesday, September 20, 2022, Port Alberni, BC – Seniors in the Alberni Valley will have a new option for housing as ground was broken today on a 102-unit retirement community in Port Alberni. Timberline at North Park will provide Island seniors with well-designed homes, a full range of services and programs and a chance to age in place.
“Timberline at North Park will provide safe and secure homes for our residents with services designed for seniors of a variety of ages, interests and abilities,” said Andrew Trinder, Director, Senior Living, VRS Communities Society. “We are proud to be a new part of this community and be building homes for local seniors in Port Alberni.”
The five-storey building is a West Coast modern design with studio, one- and two-bedroom homes, all with fully appointed kitchens. It includes a clubhouse with amenities such as a dining room, lounge, commercial kitchen, bistro, e-learning centre, fitness room, games room and community gardens. Twelve of the units in the 100,000 square foot facility will be completely accessible, with the remainder universal-designed and adaptable as residents’ needs change over time.
VRS Communities Society has been providing homes for seniors, people with disabilities and families for 50 years. The BC-based non-profit is known for their programs that are designed to suit the needs of seniors, and for their model which allows for all the profits to be reinvested back into their properties. Timberline at North Park is the 12th property on VRS’ roster of seniors’ homes throughout the province.
“Creating safe and affordable housing is the foundation in fostering a vibrant community, said City of Port Alberni Mayor, Sharie Minions. What stood out for us as a Council was the level of care that has been put into the planning for this facility. VRS Communities is raising standards for affordable living, providing quality housing and services that improve the lives of our seniors and support independence and continued participation in the community.”
Port Alberni was identified as having a high need for this style of homes based on an aging demographic in the area. The location in the 3500 block of Anderson Avenue, was chosen in part for its proximity to community trails and as an opportunity to be part of a master-planned community that is under development in the area. In addition to providing new homes, the project will enhance the local economy by hiring local staff to run the facility.
About VRS Communities Society: VRS Communities Society has 50 years of experience raising standards for seniors living in British Columbia. With the recent expansion of 12 independent and assisted living communities, including Ross Place and Lakeside Gardens on Vancouver Island, as well as ongoing new multi-generational developments, the organization focuses on working for their residents, not shareholders. As a non-profit, every dollar earned goes back into quality housing and services. VRS Communities is committed to exceptional service and works continuously to find new ways forward to improve the lives of seniors.