ASK Wellness Society and ARPA Investments (ARPA) commemorate their collaborative relationship, looking back on the development of The Stollery Suites. The project is an affordable residential housing facility on Kamloops’ North Shore that was built with the intention to complement The Colours on Spirit Square market housing, and the rest of the surrounding neighbourhood.
ARPA was delighted to contribute to this collaboration as the developer and actively participated to help ASK Wellness Society establish a space that would welcome a diverse community. The Stollery Suites on Spirit Square offers 43 affordable housing units primarily tailored to people aged 55 and older. Since its establishment in March 2020, it has included programs that assist people with developmental disabilities and has been beneficial for many local seniors.
ASK Wellness Society has called the North Shore home for almost 20 years. Andrina Tenisci, Director of Communications and Quality Improvement at ASK Wellness Society, shed light on the additional support services offered at The Stollery Suites and how these have positively impacted residents.
"For some individuals, we offer programming through an on-site support worker funded by Community Living BC (CLBC). This support staff member helps with life skills development, social opportunities, room management, and medical support,” she explained, adding that they work closely with community partners such as Interior Health Authority and CLBC to ensure each person receives the individualized care they require.
Without a doubt, ARPA and ASK Wellness Society have helped enhance a beautiful neighbourhood for families and seniors, bringing added vitality to the area. Some Stollery Suites residents have lived in Kamloops their entire lives, and ASK Wellness Society shared that they appreciate the varied amenities with convenient access to grocery stores, medical offices, restaurants, pharmacies, and some of the best coffee shops in Kamloops.
Tenisci emphasized that the project has not only provided much-needed housing for seniors but has also helped revitalize the community.
"The residents were counting down the days until Yew Street Food Hall opened,” Tenisci shared. "While most are receiving a modest fixed income, they have enjoyed the delicious baked goods of Harvest Moon Bakery. The pizza at Inferno Pizza Co. has been popular as well. It has also been a lovely place for residents to take their family to eat while visiting."
Tenisci also expressed, "We have an immense amount of gratitude to live in such a historical part of Kamloops and to have neighbours and community partners like the Stollery Foundation, BC Housing, and CLBC, who support affordable housing for seniors."
The Stollery Suites have not only significantly impacted the lives of numerous individuals through this new housing but have also catered to their increasing need for adaptive spaces, while fostering a strong sense of community and belonging. Many residents see this development as their forever home, where they are not just living but truly belonging.
This collaborative initiative exemplifies ARPA's dedication to building communities and being a driving force in developing and creating innovative, creative, and vibrant spaces that invigorate and elevate local communities and neighbourhoods.
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