New elevator to improve access for seniors

Argyle MLA Chris d’Entremont made the announcement Friday morning on behalf of Community Services Minister Judy Streatch.

“We are helping seniors to remain in their homes longer,� d’Entremont said. “Installing an elevator will support an improved quality of life for people living in Apartment Nova by providing easier and safer access to their homes.�

Apartment Nova is a two-storey, 15-unit building. Total investment for the elevator installation is about $150,000 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2007.

“Our government continues to work to ensure our seniors are living in accessible and affordable homes,� d’Entremont said. “Apartment Nova is the only housing option for seniors living in Tusket. This elevator will really help our seniors who are having challenges climbing stairs and are not able to find other accommodations in the community.�

The Department of Community Services, through seven housing authorities, provides homes for more than 9,000 seniors in 7,700 housing units throughout Nova Scotia.

Over the next year the government plans to start work to install about 10-12 new elevators in senior citizens housing. These efforts will increase accessibility for seniors, bringing the number of accessible units to about 90 per cent of available senior citizens housing in Nova Scotia.