Time to celebrate as NCARES reaches first milestone at Ward Street Place
By Nelson Daily Staff
It’s one major job so it should surprise no one that NCARES (Nelson Cares) is celebrating its first milestone after securing funding to complete major fire safety improvements to Ward Street Place.
The funds will allow NCARES to install a new fire sprinkler system and alarm system; upgrade electrical in suites and replace of re refurbish Interior door treatment to improve fire safety.
“We have wanted to complete this work for 10 years — our team has worked hard to make this happen,” Jenny Robinson Executive Director NCARES.
Funding was arranged through a refinancing plan with BC Housing and work should be completed by March of 2013.
The next phase of the campaign is to raise funds to refurbish the Victoria Street wing of the building and move Stepping Stones Emergency Shelter to a new location.
This will allow NCARES to put in 12 new affordable housing units at Ward Street Place.
This project was short listed for funding through the BC Housing and Columbia Basin Trust Affordable Rental Housing Initiative.
“Notification for the award is imminent, if we are selected this will mean significant improvements to this wonderful old building,” Robinson explained.
“We have been working on the development of this project for years,” added Chris Ingles, Chair Nelson CARES Society.
“These new units will fill a much needed gap in the community.”
Nelson has lost 61 low-income rental units in the downtown area since 2006 and the demand has continued to grow — Kerr Block – 38 units; Royal Hotel – 9 SRO units; Queen’s Hotel – 14 SRO units).
NCARES will launch a community fundraising campaign once the status of the funding application to the Affordable Rental Housing Initiative is known.
