West Kootenay Apartments Receive Upgrades from Columbia Basin Trust

Published 2:36 pm Monday, October 27, 2025

In a significant boost to community living, the Salmo Seniors Villa is set to undergo vital upgrades thanks to two generous grants from Columbia Basin Trust. This initiative aims to enhance both livability and emergency readiness for multi-unit rental homes in the beautiful Kootenay region.

Upgrades at Salmo Seniors Villa

The Salmo Seniors Citizens Housing Society, which operates the villa, will allocate $117,350 to install a new vertical lift serving the second floor, where 12 residents reside in 10 units. This addition promises to improve residents’ accessibility, making their daily lives easier and more comfortable.

Furthermore, a critical element of this upgrade includes the installation of a diesel generator, funded by an impressive $320,000 grant. Bonnie Cassar, the chair of the Salmo Seniors Citizens Housing Society, expressed her enthusiasm about the new generator: “This new generator is a real benefit for us. It’s quite amazing that it will power all 24 units, as we had thought we would only be able to back up our meeting room in case of an emergency.”

This expanded power capability means residents, particularly those with mobility issues, can remain in their apartments during outages, maintaining comfort and peace of mind.

Funding Overview

The recent announcement from Columbia Basin Trust outlined a grand total of $3.3 million being allocated to projects across 17 different communities. This investment is part of an overarching initiative to ensure that residents in these multi-unit homes feel secure and supported in their living environments.

Ulli Mueller, CBT’s senior manager for benefit delivery, commented on the importance of these upgrades: “When we’re at home, we all want to feel comfortable and secure. These projects will help people feel supported and connected in their homes and communities, while back-up power systems will bring peace of mind by keeping essential services running during outages.”

Other Projects in the West Kootenay Region

Salmo isn’t the only community benefiting from these grants. Other projects throughout the West Kootenay region also received funding, enhancing various aspects of communal living.

In Castlegar, for instance, the Rota Villa is set to receive $9,100 to create a welcoming gazebo, outdoor seating, and games, fostering a communal space for residents to gather and enjoy. Similarly, Creston’s Catalpa Apartments secured $5,400 for an accessible washer and dryer, a vital upgrade for convenience and accessibility.

Multiple projects are springing up in Creston, including Lela’s Space Second Stage Housing, which will receive $23,450 for several upgrades, including outdoor furniture and games that encourage social interaction. Creston’s Cedar Linden has also benefited, receiving $12,440 for a gazebo and bocce court, perfect for recreational activities.

Fruitvale’s Blizzard Mountain Place is seeing a robust investment of $14,350, earmarked for various improvements including a BBQ, picnic tables, and outdoor furniture. This combination promises to create lively gathering spots for residents and their families.

Notable Enhancements Across Communities

The funding extends to several other noteworthy projects throughout the West Kootenay. For example, Kaslo’s Abby Manor will have raised garden beds installed at a cost of $15,000, promoting gardening as a community activity and increasing accessibility to fresh produce.

In Nelson, substantial funds have been allocated to various local housing cooperatives. For instance, the Links Housing Co-operative is set to receive $56,350 for a variety of enhancements, including a gazebo, BBQ, and outdoor entertainment items, which all aim to foster a more vibrant community atmosphere.

Moreover, in the spirit of inclusivity, Nelson’s Cedar Groves Estates received $18,850 for an accessible washroom and outdoor exercise equipment, ensuring that all residents have access to essential facilities and activities.

Other projects in Nelson include the Ward Street Place, which is set to improve its amenities by adding indoor exercise equipment and an accessible washer and dryer, while Copper Mountain Court will enhance outdoor spaces with a picnic table, BBQ, and playground upgrades.

Enhancements in Slocan and Trail

In Slocan, City Suites will see $14,950 allocated for more user-friendly environments with lever door handles and picnic benches, while Trail is also undergoing numerous upgrades. The McQuarrie Fourplex is making strides with a $57,800 investment to improve accessibility, including an accessible path and outdoor common areas.

Additionally, Trail’s The Villa is set to receive $12,000 for garden improvements, enhancing the outdoor appeal of the residential area.

By investing in these essential upgrades, the Columbia Basin Trust is not only enhancing the safety and comfort of residents in the West Kootenay but also fostering a sense of community that will undoubtedly enrich the lives of those living in these multi-unit homes.