A local seniors residence is currently working with the County of Wellington to continue offering affordable housing to seniors in the Moorefield area.
The Maryborough Township Housing Corporation was formed in 1981 with financial support from the provincial and federal governments to provide reasonably-priced housing for seniors.
The non-profit seniors housing project’s service manager became the County of Wellington with the mortgage held by the Canadian Housing and Mortgage Corporation. An agreement was signed providing apartments for seniors at a reasonable market rent with the ability to offer rent-geared-to-income units.
With the agreement set to expire on June 30 the current board of directors have been working towards entering into another Municipal Housing Project Facility Agreement.
“We are excited to continue this working relationship with the County of Wellington, allowing the corporation to remain a non profit housing corporation for purposes of social and affordable housing,” said project manager Lori Woodham. “The corporation will continue to own and operate the non profit seniors housing, locally known as ‘the Terrace.’ We would like residents in the area to know that the corporation will be offering units at a reasonable market rent and rent-geared-to-income.”
Woodham points out the corporation has followed all rules and regulations set out by Smoke Free Ontario and has designated the entire property as “smoke free.” The facility has been the recipient of numerous social housing retrofit programs offered by the federal government allowing for the installation of a push button accessible front door, generator for the common area, parking lot paving, windows and roofing.
The priority of the corporation is to maintain the building and review the capital reserves.
Recently, Wellington County funded a building condition assessment allowing for an update of the reserve asset plan. During the week of June 13, residents of The Terrace had their tubs retrofitted to become walk in and accessible while still maintaining the option for a tub door.
The Terrace not only serves the needs of its residents but opens its doors to the community with foot care and hearing clinics held in the common room. Appointments must be pre-booked. A local hair dresser is available for salon services to residents. On Saturday morning, the Fresh Xpress food truck arrives with local fresh food for those no longer able to access a grocery store. The Senior’s Centre for Excellence along with other community groups post their events on the activity board. Seniors groups hold meetings in the common room. Puzzle building and euchre games are ongoing events held in the common room.
“I believe the difference at “The Terrace” is that the residents consider it their home and treat it that way. When you walk into the laundry room and find each unit’s laundry supplies sitting on the shelf, that really speaks. On rent day, I bring in a new recipe I have tried to share with the residents. We sit and discuss what is going on in the building and the community as each tenant drops off their monthly rent cheque,” Woodham said.
The corporation is currently considering the addition of more two bedroom apartments and will be discussing this option over the next year. Woodham commented that the corporation’s goal is to keep as many seniors in the community as possible, close to their home town and families.
“There is a short waiting list at present. Someone may not be ready to move now but by adding their name to the list, they will be called when a unit is available. Rent for a one bedroom unit is $625. Utilities included. A two bedroom runs at $699,” Woodham said.
Anyone interested in learning more about “the Terrace” is encouraged to contact Woodham at 519-638-2984 or by email at moorefield.seniors@gmail.com.
