Supportive housing for Bowen seniors is one step closer to reality.
The Snug Cove House site was connected to the municipal water system last week, with other utility installations underway. The pipe laying is close to being completed and the road should open in a couple weeks.
The development is being divided into 13 lots, with the largest lot, at the far end and nestled against park land, being reserved for the seniors’ residence.
The other 12 parcels, single family and duplex lots ranging from 2,300 to 3,000 square feet, will go on sale to the general public soon.
The sale of those lots will subsidize the creation of Snug Cove House, a 19-unit supportive-living residence for Bowen seniors. Ballpark monthly fees for the seniors would be about $3,000, but that number could change, according to Snug Cove House board chair Graham Ritchie.
Two years from now would be an optimistic time to set a date for a grand opening, he added. But for now, Ritchie is happy to see the site taking shape.
“It’s unbelievable, actually,” he said.
Ritchie said the community and public donors have been patiently waiting for Snug Cove House to arrive. However, the $150,000 in donations used to buy the land in 2004 has turned into a profit over time as property values increase.
“We’ve achieved something, guys,” said Ritchie.
Snug Cove House will initially be offering unregistered assisted living – meaning at least one meal a day and staff supervision. “As soon as we can, we’ll step up,” explained Ritchie.
An average of 11 seniors each year leave Bowen to find supportive housing somewhere else.
“It can actually be a personal tragedy,” Ritchie said, of having to separate loved ones and moving longtime residents out of their community.
Snug Cove House will host an open house this Saturday and Sunday, 2-4:30 p.m. at 1080 Miller Rd.
