New Section: Elmer's Updates

A new section of the website has been created for Elmer's Project Updates, with a link in the sidebar on the left, right under the "What's New" link. Please keep checking this section as work on construction begins in earnest, since it will become an important way for Elmer to let members know what's happening and what he needs from us.

 

Important Developments Following February's General Meeting

 

The Minutes from General Meeting 3800, February 17, 2008 are now online. Thank you, Shaun and Connie!

 

Important information for all members following this meeting has been posted on this page: Elmer's Update, February 20.2008

 

New Pictures in the Photo Gallery

  • March 11, 2008: Some members attended the Budget Information Meeting at Castlegar City Council to discuss 14th Ave. South.
  • March 5, 2008: Jim Mullen snapped these photos of the brush piles being burned and more work being done on the water lines and drainage infrastructure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 22, 2007 Update

There has been much activity occurring since the last update was placed on this site, both on the project site itself, and in the various committees as they help to direct the course of the development. Please check the Event Calendar regularly for meeting times for committees and the general membership, Pick Deadlines, and Choosing Days. Members of the various committees would also appreciate any help you can offer, so please think about volunteering whatever time you can to help with some of the things that need to be done to make the co-op a friendly, vibrant community.

 

Construction Work on the Site

Because of the colder weather, we have had to close the Site Office. Our volunteers were getting pretty cold in the Office as it is not heated.  If anyone is interested in seeing the site and the work that is being done there, just call one of the members and arrangements can be made to do this.  Construction is still being carried out. The sanitary sewers are in place and the storm sewers are being put in place at the time of this writing.  The laying of the water lines will occur next and is waiting agreement between the City of Castlegar and our engineer as to the size of the pipe that will be required.  It is truly incredible to see the work that is occurring on the site.  Have a look at the Photo Gallery that Nora Jukes is diligently trying to keep updated.

 

Work being Carried Out by the Various Committees

 

1.  Building Committee

Because the original contractor interested in carrying out the construction of our units had to back out of the agreement, it was decided that Architectural Plans should be drawn up and sent out for tender.  The plans have now been completed and were shown to the members at General Meeting 3500 on November 18th.  These plans have been placed on this website and can be seen here by those interested.  It is planned that these drawings will be sent out for tender on December 3rd with a closing date of January 18th.  It is anticipated that construction on the units could begin by the beginning of April with some units ready for occupancy by the Fall of next year.  Many of our members are waiting impatiently to move up onto the land.

 

2.  Care Committee

Just as many of our members are anxious to move into the ground floor life lease units that will be built, others are anxious for work to begin on the Care Complex itself.  Because of this, it was felt that the timetable for construction of such supportive and assisted care units (along with the apartments), should be moved ahead.  We already have a good idea that there is a need for such units, but in order to help get outside loan and grant funding (because this portion of the project will cost between $20 and $30 million dollars), it is necessary that we have some 'hard' numbers.  In order to arrive at these numbers, we have asked members who are interested in this portion of the project to put up a $1000 refundable deposit.  If studies show that this project is not viable, the deposit would be returned (with interest).  If, on the other hand, the project appears viable (and we feel there is no doubt of this), a further $29,000 will need to be put up as a down payment on the Life Lease units that would be built there.  Such a Care Complex is the keystone of this whole Grandview Housing project and there is a lot of excitement and encouragement from members to see work begin on it.  If things go well, we could expect to see construction begin in 2009.

 

3.  Landscape Committee

The Landscape Committee is a very active committee with many enthusiastic members.  Xeriscaping is the 'buzz' word these days when it comes to landscaping and our committee has been very involved in studying different areas where this has been used.  At our recent General Meeting, 3500, a Power Point presentation (be patient, this takes awhile to load) showing examples of some of these gardens was shown by our members, Helga Auld and Nora Jukes. A couple of days later, many of our members also to an event sponsored by the City of Castlegar, where the Landscape Architect, Eric Clough, presented a very interesting Power Point presentation showing some of the different types of plants that might be used in such gardens.  The Landscape Committee also has the responsibility of suggesting locations for community gardens, walking trails, parks, etc, and have some exciting suggestions and plans for these.

 

4.  Promotions Committee

Promotion of this comprehensive project is an important aspect of it's development, and we are constantly looking for more members to help in this area.  A writers group has recently been organized to help inform both our members and the general public about the different aspects of what is being done.  We should begin to see many articles about Grandview Housing in the news media.  People need to understand that of the Life Lease units that will surround the Care Centre, only 5 Bungalows, 11 Duplex units, and 6 Triplex units are still available.

 

5.  Rules & Regulations Committee

Life Lease Agreement: Thanks to BettyAnn Mullen, the a sample Life Lease Agreement is now online. A final version of this will be developed by our lawyer.

 

6.  Grants Committee

Grants Committee Request: The Grants Committee has found out that it may be possible to obtain additional funding support linked to how much volunteer time is spent working for the co-op. Please keep track of the volunteer hours you spend on Grandview projects, and let Irene Evanoff know your total hours from time to time.

 

 

 

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