Yellowknife (Dec 15/04) - The long-standing dream of improving housing for Yellowknife seniors came one step closer to reality Monday.

The Yellowknife Association of Concerned Citizens for Seniors (YACCS) appeared before a city council committee to field their proposal for a dementia facility and housing complex.

Al Falconer of the Yellowknife Association of Concerned Citizens for Seniors spoke to city council committee about a proposal for a dementia facility and subsidized housing units.

That dream, as presented by the association's Al Falconer and architectural consultant Gino Pin, takes two parts: a 24-bed dementia facility, complete with auxiliary resources; and a 32-unit subsidized condo complex.

The proposed facilities would be built on the grounds of the old Stanton Territorial Hospital, to which the seniors group owns the rights. The result, in combination with Aven Manor and the Baker Centre, would be a sort of seniors compound -- complete with salon, convenience store and improved kitchen facilities.

A timeline for the project isn't set just yet, but Falconer said he "would hope we'll be moving on both these developments very soon."

The capital funding for the dementia facility will come from YACCS, which will take out a mortgage to finance construction. The bulk of operational costs will come from the GNWT, similar to the way Aven Manor works.

Falconer said he has received "encouraging signs" from Health Minister Michael Miltenberger. "That's really the beauty of it -- that it doesn't nip into the government's capital costs," added Pin.

Miltenberger was not available for comment.

The subsidized housing, meanwhile, would be financed through the commitment of homeowners to purchase units, which would allow the seniors group to seek financing through lending agencies. Condos would not be owned outright, but residents would own right of tenancy.

The NWT Housing Corporation has already committed $1.6 million to the project.

"It was never the intention of the association to take over senior care in Yellowknife," said Pin, "but (the need) has become critical." The seniors presentation got a warm reception from city council.

"You're absolutely right that there is a need that hasn't been addressed," Coun. Alan Woytuik told the presenters.

Coun. Doug Witty said the proposal "looks fantastic."

"I'm really encouraged to see it as a long-time resident of Yellowknife," he said.

YACCS needs the city's help with public works and planning, and possibly with the addition of a second access road. "We'd be pleased to work with them," said city administrator Max Hall.