The dream of a seniors independent living housing complex is proceeding in a positive direction with the completion of geo-technical testing on the proposed site on Hospital Point.

The Southside Senior鈥檚 Housing Society (SSHS) reports that the engineering results were favorable for foundation and sewage disposal infrastructure and subdivision applications will now be submitted to the appropriate agencies.

The project received a huge kick start by the donation of 10 acres of land, including the Southbank Hall, from the Hospital Point Recreation Society. Plans are now proceeding to subdivide the property into two lots, one for the eight to 12 unit housing project, and the other for continued community use.

The subdivision process may take nearly a year to receive all of the approvals and the SSHS remains confident that the project is on track.

鈥淭he SSHS is dedicated to providing independent and affordable senior housing on the Southside, said Pat Critchlow, SSHS president.

鈥淒ue to the generosity of the Hospital Point Community Hall Society with the land donation, as well as a substantial grant from the Nechako Kitimaat Development Fund Society and assistance from the ComFor Management Services, we were able to take this project from an initial concept to an actual work in progress.鈥�

For the last several years, the SSHS have conducted many fund raising activities and events in order to pay for consultants and professionals to conduct the required work to make applications to capital and operational funding agencies for the actual infrastructure funds for the complex.

鈥淪outhsiders understand the need for this project and have invested heavily with time and donations in order to make this dream come true,鈥� added Critchlow.

鈥淲e are also pleased to announce that over $3,000 has been donated to the project in memory of Janice Susan Robertson.鈥�