Princeton’s Vermillion Court, which houses senior citizens on Fenchurch Avenue, is getting $1.6 million in upgrades thanks to grants from the province and Fortis BC.
“The building has been screaming for this for several years,” said Becky Vermette, executive director of Princeton and District Community Services Society (PDCSS).
The improvements include new bathroom fixtures, a new air conditioning system, and new electrical panels and baseboard heaters in suites, as well as improvements to common areas.
The facility has 18 units, and residents will have to be displaced during July as phase one of the project gets underway.
Vermette said many clients will be able to stay with family, but others will require assistance to find temporary housing.
“No one is going to be homeless,” said Vermette. “It’s all being scheduled very nicely.”
There are four respite units at Vermillion Court, and they could be utilized by residents who have no other options.
PDCSS is recommending that residents pack and move their belongings for the allotted time period.
She added that the renovations will greatly increase comfort for the building’s residents.
“They are going to love it. Their (utility) bills will be lower once it’s all done and the air will be cleaner.”