Vankleek Senior Citizens Manor has presented its site plan to Champlain Township, which is another step in the process to construction of the new 30-unit apartment building at 71 Derby Avenue in Vankleek Hill.
The not-for-profit Vankleek Senior Citizens Manor Corporation has applied for funding to pay for 100% of the construction cost of the new residence. In November 2020, The Review reported that there were 141 applicants on a waiting list for housing, according to Manor corporation chairperson Gary Barton.
Champlain Township sold one third of the former Champlain Day Care property to the not-for-profit Vankleek Senior Citizens Manor Corporation for one dollar. The township will retain the balance of the property, but the day care centre will be demolished by the township.
The additional land was needed to ensure sufficient parking for the new building. In addition, Champlain Township has granted the Manor corporation access to the day care property for parking and vehicle access during construction.
Gary Barton said this week that if the Manor organization is successful in its bid for 100% funding, construction will likely begin in November 2021 with a one-year timeline for completion, which will mean construction taking place during the winter months.
If the grant application is unsuccessful, the Manor corporation will seek financing from another source and construction will likely begin in the spring of 2022.
Champlain Township recently gave permission to the Vankleek Hill Farmers’ Market to operate a weekly, indoor market there on Saturday mornings. The market used the parking lot during the past summer for market vendors; the market’s current location was the Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute parking lot, but the Upper Canada District School Board did not permit the use of its facilities due to the ongoing pandemic.
Champlain Township is to demolish and remove the former day care building following completion of the new seniors building, at the request of the Manor corporation if it decides it does not want the building.
Gary Barton said that pending completion of the transaction, the Manor organization will accommodate the Farmers’ Market as long as is feasible.
