Unique housing project for people with disabilities Deana Lancaster News Reporter deana@nsnews.com WHEN the ground is soon broken to begin construction on Norgate House it will mark the end of a long and difficult struggle to see the unique rental project move from paper to reality. Te will also mark ure beginning of a new way of lite for the seniors and peo- ple with disabilities who choose to move into the 36-unit non-protir building. That's because the project, which was designed in 1990 by West Vancouver architect Garry Nielsen after he was diagnosed with multiple sclero- sis, can accommodate the special needs of its residents and allow them to “age in place.” That means that while residents do not have to have a disability when they move in, if required, cach of the barri- er-free units can accommodate their changing physical needs. For example, seniors with mabiliry, hearing and visual limitations and pea- ple with degenerative diseases such as MS who might otherwise be institu- dionalized can five at Norgate House independently. its uniqueness sud not go unno- ticed. In 1996, Noryate House won the Canada Mortgaye and Housing Flexhousing award for the B.C. and Yukon region for the innovative tea- tures thar allow. this indeperifence. Those teatures include: ample manocu- vring space, adjustabie cabinets and counters, electrical outlets and light switches at appropriate heights, water temperiture regulason to prevent seakling and more. Bur even after recognition trom CMHC, and input ard support trom community groups such as Norik Shore Home Support and Nord Shere Health, it waa difticult: to convince Friday, April 3, 1998 — North Shore News ~ St NEWS flie photo Brad Ledwidge BEV Neilsen, who designed Norgate tlouse with husband Garry, and Maureen McKeon Holmes, president of the Norgate House Society, showed off the pians for the unique rental project back in December, 1996. North Vancouver District, Council te fease Norgate House Society the land it wanted at 16th and Bridgeman in North Vancouver, Last May, the society received a ler ter fram detrict council reyccung the lease proposal, According to Coun. Eraie Crist atthe time, council was aer vous about financing tor the project he satd tt had “an tigation te protect the taxpayers.” Bat eventually conned was con vinced thar the project: was an solid ground and on March Lo ofthis vear, it gave final approval tar the projecr’s Jand dease. Oaly the building pernut remains to be issued, The planning conunued to yo well B.C. Housing Management Corp. has made rent subsidies avalible which sal allow same low income fenters ta live tt Norate House. And sins ot the adaptable features wilh be posable Deeae the Real bstate betinciinon BORO sere rab ere teeter a eeeee AQORESS: 3440 Mathurs Avs PERO ROE eee eee rnw tener erenacrerene INTERIOR SIZE. 7.800