Summerland has officially broken ground on a new affordable housing project for seniors. The Dickson Manor facility, located at 13609 Dickson Avenue, will provide 90 units for aging residents. The project is a partnership between the Parkdale Place Housing Society and the District of Summerland, with funding support from BC Housing and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place on October 17, with members of the Parkdale Place Housing Society and Summerland council attending. Work on the foundation is already underway, and the project is expected to be completed by July 2027.
Ian McIntosh, board chair of the Parkdale Place Housing Society, highlighted the importance of the project for the local community. The building permit, issued in June, lists the construction value at $27.7 million. McIntosh noted that the society had invested $1.4 million prior to construction, not including the cost of the land.
“We’re doing the groundbreaking today, but as you can see, construction is well underway,” McIntosh said, emphasizing the progress already made on the site.
Deputy Mayor Erin Trainer called the project a milestone for Summerland. “It’s finally go time and it is a reason to celebrate,” she said. “We are so proud to support this project.”
Summerland council contributed $1.5 million by waiving development cost charges, building permits, and tipping fees for demolishing existing structures on the property. Trainer said the initiative aligns with council priorities, helping seniors stay close to their communities, friends, and family networks.
Dickson Manor is one of two affordable housing projects for seniors currently under construction in Summerland. The other project, on Henry Avenue, will have 60 units and also house the Summerland Food Bank and Resource Centre.
Affordable housing remains a critical need in Summerland. The 2021 Housing Needs Assessment revealed that over 400 households spend more than 30 percent of their income on shelter costs. Projects like Dickson Manor aim to ease this burden and provide stable housing for aging residents.
The Parkdale Place Housing Society has been active in Summerland since 1976, managing 130 units across the community. With Dickson Manor, the society continues its mission to provide safe, affordable housing for seniors while strengthening community connections.
Construction crews are now on site, ensuring that the project stays on schedule for its 2027 completion. Residents and council members alike view the project as a significant step toward addressing the growing demand for affordable senior housing in the area.
