The residents at Rota Villa, Castlegar’s non-profit seniors complex, are feeling pretty cool this summer thanks to a huge grant.
The Castlegar Villa Society received a $650,000 energy retrofit grant from Clean BC and the Columbia Basin Trust to upgrade the heating and cooling system at the 40-unit housing complex.
The money was used to install new heat pumps, improving both winter and summer climate control, and hot water tanks. It also covered the necessary electrical upgrades and some new windows in the building’s common area.
Kailee Ross, Rota Villa’s director, said the improvements should save residents of the low-to-moderate income apartments about 30 per cent on their heating bills.
Previously the apartments were heated by baseboard heaters, which were also a safety concern.
All of the units at Rota Villa are currently occupied, and Ross says there are more than 30 people on a wait list.
The society’s directors are already looking for funding for their next project — installing an elevator.
Ross says that residents are staying longer than they used to as they continue to age at the complex because there is not a lot of availability in care homes.
The 50-year-old building is not very accommodating in regards to accessibility options, so the elevator would be a big help.
The society has been supporting Castlegar’s seniors for more than 50 years. They are currently looking for new board members.
If you would like to volunteer, join the board or make a donation to Rota Villa, email admin@castlegarvillasociety.ca.
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betsy.kline@castlegarnews.com
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