Kiwanis Manor gets initial upgrade approval

By ROY WOOD

Oliver council on Monday gave preliminary regulatory approval to an upgrading and renovation project at Kiwanis Manor that will see a slight increase in number of residents along with other improvements.

The Oliver Kiwanis Senior Citizens’ Housing Society is seeking approval for the addition of:

•Two additional apartments
•A shared kitchen and dining room
•A manager’s office
•A lounge
•More scooter parking
•An elevator

Council passed first and second reading to changes to the Official Community Plan (OCP) and the applicable zoning bylaws. There will be a public hearing on August 8 to seek input.

Kiwanis Manor is at the corner of Kootenay Street and Co-op Avenue. According to a report to council it is promoted as “a 55+, two-storey complex providing subsidized housing for low-income seniors. The 27 units include one-bedroom and bachelor suites designed for independent living.”

In the analysis section of planner Chris Garrish’s report, he noted that Kiwanis Manor has a long history of providing assisted living units within the town. He noted that the slight increase in density that triggered the need for rezoning “is minor, and the other proposed improvements … will be of benefit to the residents.”

Garrish noted that several policies in the town’s OCP speak to the desirability of seeking options and opportunities to provide assisted living facilities.

“That the proposed expansion will provide additional … opportunities for seniors to ‘age in place’ … is seen to further the objectives.”

Staff recommended approval, but cautioned that there will be a need for some variances in setbacks and off-street parking in the future. In its motion, council also asked the public works department to provide comments on the sidewalk requirements for the project. They will be presented at the public hearing.