Council now approves next step in seniors housing project
LOS ANGELES: A council has finally approved the next step in a seniors housing community development.
At its Dec. 15 meeting, council heard the results of a seniors’ housing needs analysis — prepared by Harriman and Associates — highlighting strong local demand.
The next step will be determining the project’s financial feasibility, including construction costs and estimated rental rates. That information will be brought back to council, which will then decide whether to proceed further.
Council approved a site assessment and detailed project costing analysis. No construction has been approved at this stage.
If the project is approved by council, construction on 20 two-bedroom townhouses could start as early as spring, with occupancy by fall.
The needs analysis highlighted significant demographic pressures facing the community. According to Statistics Canada data from 2021 cited in the report, more than 35 per cent of Smooth Rock Falls’ population is aged 65 or older, with the median age sitting at 58.
Most of the town’s housing stock consists of older, single-family homes built during its industrial era, many of which are not accessible or suitable for aging residents. Limited rental options mean seniors who want to downsize often have little choice but to leave the community, according to the report.
The Cochrane District Services Board (CDSB) currently operates a 24-unit seniors’ building in Smooth Rock Falls, but demand far exceeds supply. In 2025 alone, the CDSB processed 25 applications, with a waiting list of 34 people over the age of 55 and an average wait time of nearly two years, the report notes.
Community engagement played a key role in the analysis. A survey circulated last month, along with two public meetings, drew strong participation.
While the current concept includes the 20 two-bedroom units, staff said the survey results clearly show demand exceeds that number.
The proposed units follow a design used successfully in several northern communities, including French River. Features include wider doorways, lower light switches and counters, zero-clearance showers, and enough space for wheelchairs or walkers.
Each home would also include a small patio, private entrance, parking, and in-floor heating, an important comfort feature in northern winters.