News & Events

2015

Annual Fundraiser for Society

The Society held its second annual fundraiser on Oct. 03. at the Legion. It was an amazing success. We would like to thank the whole community for your continued support. Especially the Chetwynd Lions Club for their generous donation of 12,000.00 to Phase !!.

2014

Society Funraiser Night

The Society is holding a silent auction fundraiser night on Saturday October 4th with doors opening at 5:30 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion branch in Chetwynd Dinner will be served at 7:00. So bring your money and enjoy the evening.

Walter Energy Donates to Surerus Place Phase 2 Project

Chet. Seniors Society

Tony Meyers of Walter Energy presents a cheque for $10,000.00 for the Phase 2 project to Don Hicks, Chetwynd Seniors Citizens Housing Society. The society on behalf of seniors in the community would like to express thanks to Walter Energy for their support in the Phase 2 affordable apartments project. May 20 2014

Phase 2 Donation by Kadziolka and Smart Optometrists

The society was pleased to accept a $1,000.00 donation from Andy Kadziolka for the Phase 2 seniors independent housing project. This project is for 20 affordable one bedroom, one  bedroom and den and two bedroom apartments for seniors in Chetwynd and area. For information on Phase 2 contact Don Hicks at chetwyndseniors@eastlink.ca .Andy Kadziolka presenting $1,000.00 Phase 2

Society At The Chetwynd Trade Show

The society hosted an information booth at the recent Chetwynd Chamber of Commerce Trade Show held on March 28, 29 and 30th. Barb Martin, Surerus Place manager (shown in picture) and society members informed seniors and public about present housing services and future phase 2.2014 Chetwynd Trade Show Barb Martin

2013 Society AGM President’s Year in Review Report

During the past year 2013, our society continued with our mission of providing affordable housing and services to seniors of Chetwynd and area. I would like to review the past years operations of Little Prairie Haven and Surerus Place, Phase 2 progress, and activities of the society.

Little Prairie Haven has provided affordable housing for independent seniors through the course of the year. Our site manager, Eleanor Wilfur has continued the process of upgrading units as funds permit with new furnaces, water heaters, cupboards and flooring. We now have 10 units completed and the eleventh is under way. During the past year we have added to the garden area with a number of raised vegetable and flower beds and surrounding fence. In the coming year we will continue to invest in unit upgrades.

At Surerus Place, the year started with our site manager, Daphne Nichols going on maternity leave and soon having a healthy baby to take home from the hospital. Barb Martin assumed the intern site manager’s position and had her hands busy with organizing daily programs and activities. A couple of key events were the completion of the greenhouse and our annual Canada Day BBQ for residents and families, our staff, and directors. As usual the organization was great and all participants enjoyed themselves. During the year we opened up our bingo days to seniors at large from the community. This allowed friends and seniors to become familiar with Surerus Place. Also we hosted several events for Young at Heart program where upwards of 35 seniors came to lunch.   The Christmas dinner occurred in early December and the dining room was full with residents and family. During the spring of 2013 the board formally applied to increase the number of assisted living units to 5. After negotiations with both Northern Health and BC Housing our request was approved effective February 1st, 2014.

We have a number of volunteers who regularly come and involve the Surerus Place residents in activities such as singing or crafts. Your time and actions are important to the residents and we thank you.

At the society level board members and staff were busy representing society at the Chetwynd Chamber of Commerce trade show in March 2013. There we raised public awareness, sold society memberships, and took names of seniors interested in living in our proposed independent seniors’ apartments. Our Phase 2 project continued on course with the completion of the development consultant stage 2 reports of the Project Concept document, Need and Demand Study and Business Plan. In November we met with representatives of BC Housing and presented the finished documents and application for Project Development Funds. We are now waiting for a decision from BC Housing. As we move forward with this project the fundraising committee has become active with the start of campaign to raise $640,000.00. You may have seen an article in the newspaper, an interview on PeaceFM radio or received a fundraising letter. We will soon have a progress meter sign up in the downtown area marking the community contributions. Donors will be recognized by our Donor Recognition Program levels on our website and donor wall. Phase 2 campaign will require a great effort by the fundraising committee and indeed the whole of the board members to reach our goal. As shown in the Need and Demand Study there is a demand for affordable and safe housing for seniors in Chetwynd and area.

The Governance committee completed the Terms of Reference for the standing committees of the society and then finalized the Directors Orientation Manual. These documents will assist directors and committees in understanding and direction of the society.

The board of directors gave approval for the creation of a society website, https://chetwyndseniorshousing.ca/, and it was up and running December 1, 2013. The website will create a larger awareness of the housing and services that the society provides. In addition, the society can accept donations on-line.

I would like to recognize Donna Deck who stepped down as a director after a number of years on the board and finance committee. Thank you Donna for your dedication.

Of course, the whole board was active and work by everyone contributed to the success of the society. Thank you. The success of both Little Prairie Haven and Surerus Place depend on our staff and I want to thank them this year for their effort in making our residences a great place to live.

Don Hicks, President

Ready, Set, Build! Seminar Successful

On March 10th, Alice Sundberg, a housing development consultant and BCNPHA instructor lead an affordable housing development process seminar covering from the start to finish topics for the society. Alice explored key areas at each step of development. The society on behalf on the attendees would like to thank Alice Sundberg, CMHC and BCNPHA for hosting the seminar. All participants took away a number of points that will help us with Phase 2.

Phase 2 Fundraising Campaign Starts

Our society has started the Phase 2 campaign to raise $640,000.00 to build 20 affordable 1 or 2 bedroom apartments for seniors. You will see a thermometer sign board downtown marking the progress. We invite you to participate in helping the society reach its goal.

Chetwynd needs affordable seniors housing. 

The Chetwynd Senior Citizens Housing Society has a waiting list of over forty seniors wanting independent seniors housing.

The Chetwynd Senior Citizens Housing Society, a charity incorporated in 1982, operates two seniors’ housing facilities. Little Prairie Haven consists of 12 independent housing units; Surerus Place provides 7 supportive living and 5 assisted living units. From our 2013 Need and Demand Study, the society has identified a requirement for independent housing units and is proposing a project situated next to Surerus Place so as to enable complementary services. Preliminary plans for Phase 2 are to develop 20 independent rental units for low to mid income seniors.  

The development and operations of Surerus Place have been a partnership between the society and BC Housing. BC Housing has indicated its interest in and support for the Phase 2 proposal from Chetwynd Seniors Citizens Housing Society. We have completed the business plan based on cost and value assumptions from the preliminary feasibility study. In addition, knowing from the Canada Census median incomes for seniors living in Chetwynd and PRRD, we have developed target rents for 1 bedroom, 1 bedroom and den, and 2 bedroom apartments. From these rental incomes, we know what size of mortgage the project can carry. To move forward with this plan we will need to raise an equity amount of $640,000. 

We are asking you for your help in achieving this goal. In return, your generous donation will be acknowledged by our donor recognition program and with a Canadian Revenue Agency donation receipt. Phase 2 will allow seniors to live independently in Chetwynd with their families and friends. Please feel free to contact me via e-mail or phone if you have questions or need further information.

We look forward to your support.

Society Attends Health Fair

Health Fair Feb

Society representatives, Barb Martin and Yvonne Elden, participated in the Saulteau First Nations Health Fair held February 19th. The fair started with a prayer from Elder Melvin Davis. Then opening remarks followed with introductions of the speakers who covered a range of health issues. Barb and Yvonne had a busy day, meeting people and learning about the needs of the elders.

Mike Bernier visits Surerus Place

Mike Bernier, MLA for Peace River South, visited Surerus Place meeting with residents and society directors. Feb 6 2014

Mike Bernier visiting Surerus Place Feb6 2014

Ready Set Build! Seminar for Phase 2

Our society in partnership with British Columbia Non Profit Housing Association will be hosting a seminar on the development process for the building of affordable community housing and explore the key factors.

The context and essential components for non-profit housing development

  • What to expect at each stage of housing development
  • The roles of key players in the development process
  • The value and process of assessing the need for housing in your community
  • The basic elements of determining financial feasibility
  • Potential sources of equity and funding
  • How to structure an effective funding proposal
  • Examples of successful affordable housing developments
  • Ways to gain community acceptance for your proposed housing project
  • CMHC’s Seed Funding program

Workshop facilitation and instructor expenses are covered through the generous support of Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation or BCNPHA. (A nominal registration fee per person will be applied; 10 participants minimum required.)

Who should attend: Organizations/individuals interested in non-profit housing development.

Registration Fee: $20 per person for BCNPHA members; $40 for non-members (fees include GST and light refreshments). Advance registration is required. To register, click on the dates below. Payment may be made by credit card (through PayPal) or cheque. Note: You do not require a PayPal account in order to pay by credit card.

March 10, Chetwynd – Chetwynd Public Library, 5012 46 Street .  Time: 9:00 to 4:00 pm. Follow the link to the registration:

https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=jsbc86cab&oeidk=a07e8u644l0eddfaf60

Surerus Place increases Assisted Living Units

Chetwynd Senior Citizens Housing Society is pleased to announce that effective February 1st the funding for the assisted living program has been increased to provide a fifth designated assisted living unit at Surerus Place. The additional funding is from our partners Northern Health and BC Housing, and will help seniors in the Chetwynd area who have been assessed by Home Health Care at the Chetwynd Hospital.  Our society would like to thank the Health Services committee of the District of Chetwynd for their assistance in obtaining the additional unit.

For seniors or family members to find out more about eligibility please follow the link to BC Housing: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/home-community-care/care-options-and-cost/assisted-living

2013

Society partners with Lake View Credit Union

November 1, 2013 Chetwynd Senior Citizens Housing Society is pleased to announce that in partnership with Lake View Credit Union we have joined the Changeit program. Changeit is an automated online charitable giving program that offers credit union members a simple, automated, and secure way to donate small amounts of Virtual Change® to their favourite charitable causes with every debit transaction. – See more at: http://lakeviewcreditunion.com/your-credit-union/changeit/#sthash.e7whJQzC.dpuf.

CSCHS continues to be supported by Community

November 9, 2013 The Society board thanks Mike Cupples of Talisman Energy Inc for the continued support of seniors and people with disabilities housing needs in the Chetwynd area with their recent $500.00 donation.

Surerus Place and Little Prairie Haven’s Christmas Supper

Surerus Place will be hosting the annual Christmas supper for residents on December 19th at 5:00 pm at Surerus Place. Families of residents are invited and are requested to make reservations with Barb Martin at 250 788-3736.

Society recognizes Carl Rose

The CSCHS would like to recognize Carl Rose for his generosity of a donation of five hundred dollars and a needed new filing cabinet for Surerus Place. Carl also has volunteered his time as a society member ensuring operations run smoothly at Surerus Place. Thank you Carl.

Christmas dinner enjoyed by residents and families

Surerus Place held its fourth annual Christmas dinner with approximately forty residents, family members and friends sitting down to dinner. A big thanks goes out to the staff; Barb, Dagny, Teresa and volunteer Wendy Siller for making the event a success.