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55-plus housing co-op progressing

Display suites expected to be ready by fall

With the elevator shaft, second-floor trusses and framing already in place, the next big step for the Lions Manor 55 co-operative housing project on Station Road is the installation of the roof, expected to take place in February or March.

"We are excited to see the progress being made by A&B Builders," said project manager Curtis Ross in a Jan. 25 news release. "Construction started the day after the official announcement was made last July. Since then there has been steady progress."

The two-floor building designed by McGinn Engineering of Regina, Sask. will have 30 suites with balconies, independent heat and air conditioning, walk-in tubs and be accessible for people with walkers and wheelchairs. Two display suites are expected to be complete by fall. There will also be a common-use room, a guest suite and storage area.

A&B Builders is employing 100 per cent northern trades and labour on the project and engineering inspections are being performed by Thompson engineer Keith Doerksen.

"The board of Lions Manor 55 feels it's important to keep as many aspects of this project local as possible," said Ross. "Even when it's open and operating, it will be managed by a local board as per the housing co-operative process."

The provincial government is a major funder of the project, supplemented by community fundraising and a traditional mortgage with Assiniboine Credit Union.

"We will continue to fundraise in order to keep the amount of our mortgage as low as possible," said Lions Manor 55 president Nick DiVirgilio. "But just as importantly, we will be requiring commitments from people who wish to move in as tenants. It's important for people to reserve their units now. Many of them are already reserved."

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