[News] 'A dream': New affordable rentals opening for senior artists in New Westminster

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It's a creative housing idea for local artists.

New affordable rental units are opening for seniors who devoted their lives to the performing arts. Senior artists like former DJ Ellie O’Day.

“Most people in the arts realize by the time they hit their 50s that they're going to have an issue with housing in this city,” she explained.

The nine-story building in New Westminster boasts 66 units for low-to-moderate-income seniors ages 55 and over.

Rents range from $800 a month for a bachelor to $1,350 for a one bedroom, and the building sports new kitchens, laundry machines, and a rooftop garden. The units are a leg up from the shared accommodations many artists find themselves living in later in life.

“(We see) artists living 16 to a house,” said Jennifer Whiteside, MLA for New Westminster.