There was a story in this paper last week that suggested KinVillage will be attempting to add more beds and rooms for expanded care for seniors in our neighbourhood. This, of course, can only be a good thing.
My mother-in-law is fortunate to be a resident of Abbeyfield here in Tsawwassen but will soon have to make yet another housing transition in her life. She has gone from single detached home to townhouse, to condo, to apartment and is now in the category of independent living at Abbeyfield. Fraser Health does not necessarily place loved ones in need of care in facilities close to family and caregivers. We obviously want to keep "Nana" here so she is in proximity to family and community amenities.
If given the opportunity, a person should be able to live their lifecycle in their own community if they desire.
In the article it was also suggested that Kin were in discussions with the Corporation of Delta regarding the expansion of its facilities and hinted that it might also be tied in to changes to Winskill Park. When I look at the footprint of KinVillage as it relates to the geography of the park, I can only see one area where expansion could go.
Doobie smokers beware. You might have to pack up your disks and your six-packs and move somewhere else. The Winskill Frisbee golf park may be in danger. It would make sense for Delta, the KinVillage board of directors and a developer partner to utilize this land for expansion for senior care.
I would be sorry to see it go.
It has been a major dog walking route for me for many years.
Perhaps the course could be moved to Boundary Bay. A links style Frisbee golf course! That probably wouldn't sit well with the Pacific Flyway crowd though.
Housing variety is critical, not just for those in need of care, but for empty nesters, couples and young families. The Canadian dream of the bungalow with the white picket fence is really just that... a dream.
A report last week from Vancity notes a housing crisis is looming. In the report, it is noted that 48 per cent of family income is needed to pay for housing in Metro Vancouver, which is a whopping 16 per cent above the amount recommended by Canada Mortgage and Housing.
There is huge shortage of twoand three-bedroom townhomes for young families moving up from one-bedroom condominiums. On the flip side, empty nesters have little choice to downsize here in Delta. Most that I know have been moving to White Rock and South Surrey where there are far more housing choices.
Thankfully after many years of turmoil around land use in our neck of the woods, developments in process and those on the shortterm horizon will fill some of the need.
Planners and politicians need to be more assertive in identifying zoning opportunities in area plans.
I think that Northgate, Tsawwassen Springs, TFN housing and the Southlands will allow us to consider upsizing and downsizing opportunities in our own community.
There is still lots to do.
