A unique partnership between Aryze Developments and the Legion Manor Victoria is seeking to provide nearly 200 homes for seniors and the Central Saanich workforce through a collaborative development proposal. Located at 1934-66 Hovey Road & 7551 East Saanich Road, the proposal includes two multi-family purpose-built rental buildings, one of which will be owned and operated in perpetuity by the Legion Manor Victoria, made possible by Aryze selling a portion of the land to the society at well below market value.
For more than 50 years, Legion Manor Victoria has provided affordable housing for veterans and adults 55+ at their existing facility, which is the neighbour to the north of the proposed development site. This proposal will bolster the successful program they have developed over the last five decades by increasing the number of homes they will own and operate directly adjacent to their existing facility, which currently holds a 2-5 year waitlist, with over 160 seniors—including veterans—seeking independent living suites, and close to 20 seniors waiting for assisted living suites.
“Many in the community know—this isn’t the first time we have attempted to develop in response to the growing demand for our services,” says Rod Hughes, President of the Legion Manor Victoria. “Our development committee has looked at expansion opportunities over the last several years, but nothing has gone forward, as affordable and suitable land in Central Saanich is so limited. Aryze’s approach to sell the land at a discounted price is what has made this expansion possible.”
Aryze Developments acquired the land, which is a five lot assembly along Hovey Road. As part of the partnership, Aryze will transfer the eastern portion of the land to Legion Manor Victoria, subject to receiving funding from BC Housing’s Community Housing Fund to deliver affordable housing for seniors.
“Our team approached the Legion Manor Victoria early on in the development process, in the hopes of providing an opportunity to expand their services and meet the demand of affordable seniors housing,” says Melanie Ransome, Director of Communications & Engagement. “The need is immense and this proposal represents an opportunity to take a solid step towards a long-term solution for some of our community’s most vulnerable.”
In this proposal, the West Building (Market Rental) will contain approximately 133 homes ranging from studio to 3-bedroom and the East Building (Legion) consists of 62 affordable studio and 1-bedroom units for seniors. The design emphasizes the proximity of the existing facility by ensuring ease of access between the two properties with a pedestrian pathway that connects the West Building (Market Rental) and the East Building (Legion) with the existing Legion facilities.
Aryze is in advanced discussions with Shoreline Medical and the Saanich Peninsula Hospital to form an agreement to secure housing for nearby healthcare workers in the West Building on the 2 acre site.
http://aryze.ca/1934hovey
