The construction fences are up, the heavy equipment is on the property — it won't be long before the Kiwanis Village in Qualicum Beach is torn down and work starts on a new housing facility. As of Tuesday, there were still residents living in the facility.
Development consultant Walter Hoogland said last week the official ground-breaking ceremony for the new, low-income, 34-unit seniors' complex is likely to happen in late July.
The project, funded in part by B.C. Housing, has acquired all necessary permits from the town, including approval for the demolition of the 20 existing units.
"The project is in great shape to move forward," said Hoogland. "We've got residents there but we want to keep it safe for them — we want to make sure we are doing the right thing."
Most of the residents have been moved to other facilities like the one operated by the Lions Housing Society in Parksville, said Hoogland. Many of them will move back into the new facility in Qualicum Beach when construction is complete, he said.
"We want to get them in there in the spring of next year," said Hoogland. "We've been working with them, meeting with the residents, for over a year."
The Town of Qualicum Beach's director of planning said there are no regulatory hurdles to clear for the project to still jump.
"They have a building permit," said Luke Sales. "They can start construction at any time."