Tanara Oliveira/Contributor
In an effort to provide improved housing options for seniors and individuals living with disabilities in Victoria, the Campbell Lodge recently opened its doors to welcome residents to the renovated homes.
“Not only do these renovations extend the lifespan of a valuable housing resource for seniors in Victoria, they also ensure that residents can stay cool and comfortable during periods of extreme heat,” said Ravi Kahlon, B.C.’s minister of housing. “Our government is proud to have supported these renovations and we will continue to take action to support and respect our seniors so that they can live affordably in their home community.”
At 918 Collinson St., the old Campbell Lodge building stands out as a multi-family complex with 100 units. As the building was built in 1978, some parts were showing their age, so it was necessary to give it a complete facelift.
BC Housing provided $8.5 million for the renovations.
“Campbell Lodge residents now have a safe and comfortable home for many years to come, thanks to these recent renovations,” said Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto. “Affordable housing is a priority for the city. This project is a great example of how we can adapt to and upgrade existing housing to continue to meet the needs of our most vulnerable residents and improve quality of life at the same time.”
As part of the renovations, each unit has a new heat pump to keep it cool and help heat it in the winter. The building envelope has also been improved to prevent overheating and cut down on heat loss, drafts, moisture and mould growth. Both improvements will save money on energy costs and make the air inside the building better.
Campbell Lodge also has new stairs and guard rails on the back decks and new fencing around the outside of the building. Residents stayed in their apartments while they were being fixed up. The Greater Victoria Housing Society (GVHS), a non-profit housing company in the area, owns and runs Campbell Lodge.
“The building is home to seniors and persons with diverse abilities where upgrades were needed to improve comfort for our residents and increase energy efficiency, while protecting these affordable rental homes for decades to come”, said Virginia Holden, executive director, GVHS. “The building looks fantastic and creates a sense of pride for the residents who call Campbell Lodge home.”
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