Students and seniors will share apartment buildings in North Bay

A new tenancy model in North Bay will see older adults and post-secondary students from Canadore College live together in two apartment buildings that are next to each other.

This multi-generational cohabitation project is a partnership between the school and the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board to expand housing in the city.

Students studying specific social programs will be there to help the adults.

The apartments are located at 68 Commercial St., at the former site of the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit.

“It’s much the same as a transitional housing, supportive housing that we have,” said board chair Mark King.

The location was originally designed for international students, but when the federal government cut the number of students coming into the country to study, the college decided to use the facility for affordable housing.

A total of 61 apartment units will be available under the cohabitation model, with 39 units ready for occupancy and another 22 units available starting May 1. Some staff will be living in the building, as well.

The cohabitation model allows two individuals to share a two-bedroom apartment, each having their own room while sharing common areas.

The units will be incorporated into Canadore College’s Village model and will include a variety of health, mental health, addictions and wellness services.

Students will live with another student, while an adult will live with another adult.

“We’re creating a housing community where people live as part of a community and facilitating a residence model for older adults under the affordable housing banner,” said Shawn Chorney from Canadore.

“You might have a mental health and addiction worker student, and then a recreation therapy student together. You may have a behavioural science student and a social work student together.”

The initiative aims to provide affordable housing for older adults and students while fostering companionship and a sense of security for older residents.

“It was wise on the part of Canadore to recognize the opportunity to help the community. It’s really a really good idea,” King said.

“It’s a perfect example of how we’re thinking outside the box to create sustainable housing solutions that truly benefit our community.”

Each apartment has shared common areas. Eligible individuals from the Subsidized Housing Waiting List and the Coordinated Access Nipissing Prioritization List will be prioritized.

Adults 55 and older will be chosen as part of the model.

“There’s a demand for high quality, new housing and our Village model is very popular,” Chorney said.

“We thought ‘Why not partner up with disability if we can remove some of the wait times for those that are looking for affordable housing on the waiting list?’”

He said the new model will hopefully “reduce some of the stigma around affordable housing and help to create a new model that works for everyone.”

To access the waiting list, you need to contact the board’s housing access at 705-474-2151, ext. 45589, or via email at [e-mail].