The proposed Thompson Lions Senior Manor is looking to the provincial government for funding. The Manitoba government sent out a request for proposals for affordable senior housing, and the Thompson Lions Club sent in an application for the manor.

 

Board member Penny Byer says there is a huge need for seniors housing in our area.

 

“We did some research into Stats Canada and between 2001-2011 the population between 70-74 has grown by 106%. If you average it out people 55 and older the percentage of the population has grown by over 40%.”

 

The 7 million dollar facility would be built adjacent to the Teekinakan Day Care. If the government approved the funding, they would pay a third of the cost for the units. This could mean two and a quarter million dollars.

 

“In northern Manitoba you get a little more per unit, it’s up to a third anyways, but it’s also capped. So for us we figure if we were to be granted the maximum amount it would be two and a quarter million. That is a significant contribution to a 7 million dollar facility."

 

The facility is to include 30 different units. Rooms would include larger doorways, lever style door handles, and other essentials to make it easier for a senior to live independently.

 

Byer says they have sent in the application and are just waiting to hear back. News on the funding approval won’t be heard until the end of August, or the middle of September.

 

To learn more about the facility visit our facebook page - facebook.com/610CHTM for the full interview with Penny Byer.