Tom Sasvari
The Recorder
M’CHIGEENG—It has been the vision of members of the Anishinaabemowin Gamig Elders Language Activity Centre (AGELAC) to one day open a senior housing complex, and it looks as if this will become a reality later this year or early in 2013.
“The idea of a senior housing complex in an independent living setting was initiated by the senior residents of M’Chigeeng,” said Grace Fox, acting chair of AGELAC board, last week. “This comes as a result of the seniors wanting to live in a safe, secure, independent community housing structure and enjoy each others company as members of the community.”
Ms. Fox said, “our (AGELAC) mandate is preserving our language.” She pointed out the elders’ language activity centre opened four years ago in the community, “where we do a lot of activities, such as quilting, knitting, artwork, working with youth, gardening-planting and much more.”
“The vision and idea to develop a housing complex has been keenly supported,” said Ms. Fox, who stressed the new housing unit, “will be an independent living complex.”
Ms. Fox explained the housing complex will include 10 units and is going to be located on land that has been cleared on what is known as Jake’s Hill on Spring Bay Road. “We are waiting for the spring to break ground on the project and have had conceptual drawings completed by architect Chris Perry.”
“The whole idea of a senior housing unit complex grew out of our elders language activity centre and was the dream of the senior citizens in the community,” continued Ms. Fox. She pointed out that within the housing unit there will be a common room area which will accommodate 150 people.
Ms. Fox explained the funds for the project are being derived, “through a mortgage for the project, approved by Band chief and council through the Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation.”
