A seniors group is hoping for help to secure space for a seniors centre at 1010 St. George Boulevard.
Rising Tide Community Initiatives purchased the building for 30 seniors apartments, with possible community space on the first floor.
“I think it’s time that we move on our seniors and get them a permanent home. That is one key location that I think can work,” says Moncton City Councillor Shawn Crossman.
Crossman confirmed with the City Chief Administrative Officer that a plan has been presented to the City by a seniors coalition who are rallying for a permanent space to call their own, and it is being analyzed. He adds though at this point, it has not been presented to Moncton City Council.
The City will host engagement sessions with seniors and affiliated groups starting this month.
“City staff are going to do an engagement plan, and there are currently public sessions planned. They’ll get to offer input on ”Let’s chat’ and there are going to be direct consultations with over 20 community groups. There will be an email blast that will go out, and then the public will also be allowed to voice their concerns,” Crossman adds.
More details on those sessions are coming soon. The City has confirmed the sessions aren’t specifically related to the St. George Boulevard building, but more about the wants and needs of seniors, and what programs and services are a necessity in Moncton.
In an interview, spokesperson for the seniors coalition Dennis Cochrane told our newsroom, that the former Wawanesa Insurance building on St. George Boulevard is a great location, with good parking, and a safe environment.
“10,000 square feet of modern space, which would be divided after consultation with the seniors. There would be the ability for lunches and snacks, coffee breaks and so on. Our objective is to have a safe place where seniors can enjoy physical activity and, probably more importantly, socialization,” Cochrane said.
RELATED: Rising Tide purchases building for seniors housing, community space
The former Moncton Lions Community Centre at 473 St. George Street used to be the home for seniors programming, but in 2022, it was converted into a homeless shelter.
