Sunday, February 16th, 2025

In order to purchase the Creemore property that could be the future site of seniors’ apartments, $265,000 is needed by Monday, June 8.

The newly formed St. John’s Creemore Senior Citizens Foundation has made an offer on two Francis Street lots, located behind St. John’s United Church, conditional on financing and planning approvals.

With a second offer for the property tabled, organizers are looking for ways to raise the money in order to meet the deadline.

Almost 100 people attended a meeting Tuesday night at Station on the Green to hear about development plans.

“I am blown away by all of you being here and I really hope we can bring this to fruition,” said Wendy Schellenberg, who initiated the project.

Schellenberg worked as the administrator for a seniors’ housing project in Mount Albert. She said she knows how to execute the project, it’s just a matter of finding the money.

If 26 people are willing to put up $10,000 each, said Schellenberg as an example, they would be in a position to cover the purchase price. She said they want to start out with the land in hand because there will be a need to borrow money later to complete the project.

Once the property is secured, other financing would be needed. The possibility of shareholders, bridge financing and other options are being explored.

“We have to raise probably $1 million,” said Schellenberg. “The financial end is big and that’s what’s going to allow us to go forward.”

A Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation seed grant has been secured for early costs.

At Tuesday’s meeting, people were shown two possible designs for a two-storey building with one- and two-bedroom apartments that would be between 780 and 1,000 square feet.

“Fourteen to 16 units are what we need. We want it filled. We don’t want vacancies,” said Schellenberg.

The facility is not a project of the United Church but the majority of the foundation members are members of the church. Schellenberg said she approached the church with the idea because of her experience in Mount Albert.

In Mount Albert, 20 units were built in 1979. In 1982, 32 units were added and another 30 in 2007. All 82 units are now occupied and there is a 30-unit waiting list for apartments with market value rent and more than 850 units on the waiting list for those who qualify for rent-geared-to-income apartments.

As a not-for-profit entity is incorporated and professional are coming on board, project officials are also looking for volunteers with experience in finance, construction, proposal writing and other applicable skills.

Anyone interested in offering financial contributions, expertise and volunteer services is welcome to call Wendy Schellenberg at 705-466-5221.

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