Seniors' housing now allowed under new plan

Planning changes in Fall River will pave the way for the construction of much-needed seniors' housing.

"There is no alternative housing out here. There are all these big lots. I'm 44 and I have a property that's hard for me to maintain, let alone seniors," said Krista Snow, councillor for Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank last week.

"We're losing our seniors because there's no alternate housing, a.k.a. a seniors facility. We didn't get it yet, but we're going to. This is one of the most exciting things I've had happen."

Although a number of developers considered constructing such a facility in the region, Snow said limited to nonexistent water services presented a major stumbling block.

Amending the municipal planning strategy and land-use bylaw to permit housing forms other than single-unit dwellings would help overcome that hurdle. Snow said increased density for seniors housing could be considered if the development is within the water service boundary and the Fall River centre identified under the regional plan.

'Good to go'

"If we get the MPS changed and get it in the water service boundary we're good to go," said Snow, noting there's water behind Fall River Village.

Local pharmacist Laurie Baker has already hired Terrain Group to design plans for local seniors housing. Snow described it as a beautiful design created with seniors in mind.

"(Baker) is one of the best human beings I've ever had the privilege of knowing," Snow said. "He does so much and no one knows what he does. He loves the senior citizens and he saw the need."

Snow said the process will be lengthy and include a public information meeting and a public hearing. She's hopeful council will initiate the planning change within the next year.

"Planning and development (staff) say six months is the best case to get the MPS change and bring it back to council," Snow said. "If everything is available to HRM staff, these processes can move ahead quite quickly. This is just so needed."

Residents who participated in the Fall River visioning process last year identified a shortage of dwelling units other than single family homes as a priority for the future development of the growing community.

ydentremont@hfxnews.ca