Red River Supportive Housing–Logement Supervise de la Riviere Rouge (RRSH) held a meeting last month to define Phase 1 of a project to create supportive housing in the region.
A year ago, councils for the RM of Montcalm, RM of Morris, and the Town of Morris jointly launched the not-for-profit organization to address changing demographics and needs. The three municipalities have committed to supporting existing senior housing providers and creating new supportive housing with units that balance fiscal, social and ecological outcomes for the common good of all ratepayers.
Phase 1 begins with the request for proposals (RFP). This is the document that announces the project, describes what is involved, and solicits bids from designers to make it happen.
The current project vision is a 50-unit facility with a mix of single and two-bedroom units, including covered parking spaces. The building will be on the west side of the Morris Multiplex on land owned by the Valley Agricultural Society (VAS).
This winter, VAS members voted in favour of selling the land to allow for the facility’s construction. The motion allows for a maximum two-acre section to be sold.
“VAS is committed until 2025 to selling the land next to the multiplex to support the project,” VAS director Brian Wiebe said in a recent interview with the Voice.
The RFP’s closing date is Feb. 15.
Chris Hamblin, Town of Morris councillor, says they’re feeling good about the project.
“The RRSH is confident we will get some responses,” he says. “We had one developer provide some schematics of our ideas so we could start a discussion. We are expecting them to follow up with a proposal.”
Accessibility, energy efficiency and affordability are all project considerations. Suggestions like a link to multiplex, rooftop terrace, outdoor green space and common dining area are all being examined.
“The budget for this project is critical to managing the costs of the assisted living facility,” Hamblin notes. “A number of 12 to 15 million [dollars] have been floated. We need to know the minimum number to proceed.
“The more fundraising we do, the more economical it is to run the facility. Fundraising brings cost down. Interest on money borrowed to fund the project will increase the rent charged for each suite.”
When it comes to public consultation, Hamblin notes they need to get a firmer grasp of what the facility will look like before asking for further input.
“Our group plans to work with the designer and explore options. After awarding the design contract, we will aim to visit a few facilities to further explore our needs.”
The RRSH will look to get a line of credit for the build, which may need to be guaranteed by each of the municipalities. This line of credit is to provide funds for initial costs and potentially design costs prior to the fundraising beginning.
