Silver Kettle Village's doors officially opened
By Mona Mattei
Residents, staff and community members officially celebrated the opening of Grand Forks’ newest seniors housing option this week.
“A big part of this (project) wasn’t the building, it was the philosophy of the company,” said Grand Forks mayor Brian Taylor.
“The idea of dignity and respect has been clearly a philosophy of our community. So it’s very consistent that we should open a centre like this that is part of the continuum of service (for health care). Part of attracting people to this area is this concentration that clearly identifies what we are doing to make this a seniors-friendly community.”
Dignitaries gathered for the ribbon cutting for the Silver Kettle Village complex on Wednesday, Dec. 12 included MLA John Slater, Taylor, Golden Life Management chief executive officer and founder Endre Lillejord, and Interior Health residential services administrator Cindy Kozak-Campbell.
“I congratulate everybody that’s been involved with this – this has been a partnership,” said Slater. “We want to keep our seniors closer to home, closer to their families, keep their independence. That’s why we have this multi-faceted facility here… congratulations.”
The complex, with 48 apartments designed for independent seniors to live in community with supports close at hand, also includes 40 publicly-funded residential beds for people with high care needs. T
he private-pay apartments are one or two bedroom with a well-designed layout for changing mobility needs. The residential care area provides single bedrooms for every resident and adjoining rooms for couples.
“I am really pleased to be here… to help celebrate the opening of this great facility,” said Kozak-Campbell, congratulating the company. “Not only is it providing additional residential beds where we can ensure we have the full range of professional services… but it’s also adding the independent housing suites to the community and opening up a fuller range of options.”
Golden Life Management, which owns and operates the facility, was awarded the contract last year amidst controversy. But Golden Life has demonstrated their capacity in building a quality facility with all the necessities – hair salon, chapel, pool tables, fitness room, a library and state-of-the-art video conferencing to stay in touch with loved ones.
“I want to mention the people within Golden Life Management that did such a fantastic job putting together this whole development. They worked diligently particularly over the last 12 months to make sure that this is a success,” commented Lillejord. “Above all I’d like to thank the seniors who are living here today, it is really you who have made this place possible.”
Lillejord also thanked city council for their support in a smooth development process, and the many staff who helped ensure the facility was completed on target.
Once fully occupied, Silver Kettle will provide about 50 full- and part-time jobs for Grand Forks residents with additional opportunities for casual workers. Regional district area D director Irene Perepolkin, and city councillors Gary Smith and Patrick O’Doherty also attended the opening.
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