A single green sign stands in the field as a placeholder for Villa James Shaw (VJS), a residential seniors complex that this community has been working hard to back and build since 2015. There have been teas and dances, private donations and tributes. All have brought the hard-working board and its members closer to realizing the dream of a 50-room facility that will allow seniors to remain close to home in their retirement years.
“This project has now been five years in the making,” said Villa James Shaw President, Albert Armstrong. “We first announced our vision in February 2015 following the generous donation of land by Gord Black. Since then, we have raised a lot of capital, commissioned studies and surveys and are our way to breaking ground. “This is a nine million dollar complex,” said Armstrong. Canada Mortgage and Housing (CMH) has agreed to finance a large percentage of the building, but we had to come up with the hefty down payment.”
With an aging population, a shortage of facilities and a long waiting list for those in need of housing, the demand for this complex has never been more apparent. Once built, VJS will offer both one bedroom and studio-style units, 8 rooms downstairs and 21 units on each of the second and third floors. Rooms will be equipped with microwave, fridge, stove and coffee makers. Meals will be available daily in the common dining area. There will be a coin-operated laundromat, fitness centre and walking areas in the building as well. Other services such as housekeeping, hairdressing and fitness classes will be arranged among residents in time.
“Including children and youth in our programs has been brought up often throughout the planning stage,” said Armstrong. “Studies have shown that seniors benefit from programs that include younger folks. We are looking for ways to make this happen.”
The VJS membership has swelled to over 200 people. “There are people who are interested in helping with the fundraising and development of the project and those who are interested in living at Villa James Shaw once it is completed.”
An annual memberships costs $20 and can be purchased by contacting either Albert Armstrong or Ruth Strutt. The VJS email is:
villajameshawv@hotmail.com
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