A much needed assisted living facility on First Avenue in Gimli is well underway and expected to open this summer.
The Betel Heritage Foundation, which owns the Waterfront Centre, is constructing the facility on the lot beside the Waterfront. One side of the building will have views of Gimli Harbour.
Waterfront Centre general manager Tristin Tergesen, who reports to the heritage foundation board, said the project will enable residents who need some assistance to remain in the community surrounded by their friends and family, as well as help them pay reasonable rent for that accommodation.
“Part of the vision was to provide housing and care for seniors so that they can stay in our community,” said Tergesen. “There’s been research showing that people at a certain point are having to leave the community to obtain assisted living accommodation. That was one of the motivations for moving this project forward.”
When completed, the building will have 40 units. Most will be one-bedroom suites but there are also two-bedroom and studio-sized units available. The top level of the building (7th floor) will have a kitchen and dining room, which can offer meal services to residents, as well as a multi-purpose room. On-site parking will be provided.
Tergesen said people are eager to learn more about obtaining a suite in building but the eligibility criteria have yet to be determined.
“I have people calling me every day. The interest level is high,” she said. “I will be providing information to people as it becomes available.”
