MLA Steve Ashton with residents who made the project possible at the site of the Lions Seniors Manor.

It’s the announcement the Lions Club of Thompson has been waiting for since last year: The province has conditionally approved $2.25 million for the Lions Seniors Manor Non-Profit Housing Co-operative.

The 30 unit building will provide safe and affordable housing for seniors. It will be two-storey with a mix of one and two bedroom units.

MLA for Thompson Steve Ashton made the announcement yesterday, commending the work of the Lions Club:   

"We have an increasing number of seniors and an increasing number of people who want other options, and in particular when people retire, the option of staying in the community with the kind of housing that the Lions have put forward. Well, thanks to everyone behind me, the proposals have gone forward and I'm very pleased to announce that the funding has been approved by Manitoba Housing so this housing is going to be a reality".

The project is estimated to cost $7 million.

Penny Byer with the Lions Club of Thompson said an official groundbreaking ceremony will happen in the warmer months. She says deposits for half of the units have been sold.