A rezoning application is being sought to further accommodate a 55-plus residential complex at properties along 10th Avenue SW, west of the Mall at Piccadilly.
The application is for 1591 10th Ave. SW, one of three adjacent lots intended to be the future home of what’s referred to in the application as the “Salmon Arm Three Robins Supportive Living Apartment.”
As they did for the other two properties at 1511 and 1561 10th Ave. SW, the applicants wish to rezone 1591 from R1 single family residential to C6 tourist/recreational commercial.
Agent Gary Arsenault spoke on behalf of Green Emerald Investments Inc. and partners at the city’s Oct. 16 development and planning services committee meeting. He explained the project, planned initially for just 1511 and 1561, was going to involve an L-shaped building, but that brought difficulties around parking. The rezoning of 1591 will allow the property to be consolidated with the other two, and for the inclusion of more parking.
“It’s considered assisted living with the Salmon Arm bylaws, which means we don’t require that much parking, but we’re aiming for a younger market… active over 55,” said Arsenault.
The rezoning application for the first two properties outlined the Three Robins concept by Terry Collier, who Arsenault said is a professor in seniors accommodation with much experience in the field.
The Three Robins philosophy for aging in place includes the creation of community and the availability of optional services.
“Residents pay for the supportive services when needed, versus bundled services (housekeeping, meals, etc.) that often are not required when moving into a new senior’s apartment…,” read the introduction.
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“Three Robins is not restrictive by its nature and therefore, there are no mandatory services or age restrictions. Aging in place occurs organically, as the services are available when you require them…
“Our goal is to have residents at Three Robins properties as their needs change from active adult, supportive living, and light assisted living (medication assistance/bathing/dressing).”
Arsenault explained the plan for an L-shaped building has been abandoned in favour of a more rectangular structure where “half the ground floor will be services for the residents and the other half will be commercial.”
“There will be more two-bedroom apartments in this building than all the rest in seniors housing in Salmon Arm put together…,” said Arsenault, adding Three Robins facilities are operating in Alberta.
“They’re very successful, so we’re using that model,” said Arsenault.
Coun. Sylvia Lindgren asked if the trees growing at 1591 would be kept. Arsenault said he thought the area would be required for parking, but that “we would like to save them as much as possible.”
“It gives it a much more comfortable space to live,” he said.
The committee voted unanimously in support of the application going to the Oct. 23 council meeting for first and second reading. If supported, the application will go to public hearing on Nov. 14.
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