TIMMINS - A hotel recently purchased by a local services board could be converted into seniors’ housing.
The Cochrane District Services Board (CDSB) acquired 1800 Riverside Dr. in Timmins for the proposed Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub.
The local project was not included in the province’s list of approved HART Hubs, prompting the board to reconsider the building’s future use.
At the CDSB meeting on Thursday (Feb. 20), director of health Jean Carriere confirmed that the board is moving forward with plans to develop the site into seniors’ housing.
SEE: Services board to hear plan B for former Timmins hotel at next meeting
CDSB bought the former Ramada Inn at 1800 Riverside Dr. in the west end of Timmins for $11 million in December.
At least $1.25 million of work is still needed to install a new elevator, upgrade the kitchen and do minor building improvements.
A detailed plan and cost analysis for the conversion and “a plan on a phased-in approach of implementation” will be presented at the next CDSB meeting.
Last month, firms were hired to help plan the future look of the hotel.
SEE: Firms hired to design proposed Timmins HART Hub
An evaluation of the building by G Architects, SGL Planning Associates, and Quasar Consulting Group found that it is in good condition but requires key upgrades, including improvements to electrical systems, kitchen ventilation, and accessibility, Carriere said.
In addition to the preliminary work, he said electrical improvements will be planned over the long term.
CDSB is looking at reallocating federal and provincial funding to support renovations.
“We've had some preferred contractors go and source out the work, so we are waiting on quotations, and then we'll be able to determine if there are funds left to complete some of the other priority items listed in the report,” said Lindsay Cumming, director of housing.
Timmins Coun. Cory Robin asked about fire safety measures, particularly the need for a sprinkler system.
Carriere explained that a fire suppression system is not required for independent seniors living, though certain areas, such as the kitchen and elevator, will have suppression systems. Smoke detectors will also be upgraded to include flashing lights for improved safety.
“If we're going to have seniors in there, they need to be a certain decibel, and then they would have flashing lights,” Carriere said.
“So there's things like that that we can improve, which would make the building safer and more conducive for the population we will be serving.”
Carriere noted that this would add 100 seniors housing units to the CDSB portfolio and that, in time, the facility is expected to be self-sufficient. In the Cochrane District, over 880 seniors are on the housing waiting list.
“It keeps climbing. The environment that we're in now is different than it was a few years ago. When it comes to seniors housing, it's becoming much more in demand. Our population is getting older,” said Carriere.
The plan for the Ramada also includes three daily meals, light housekeeping services, and recreational activities for residents. Parts of the facility, such as the ballroom and conference rooms, could still be used for community events.
This could help alleviate current housing shortages and challenges without requiring new construction, Carriere said.
Timmins Coun. Steve Black said clear public communication to ensure transparency and control the narrative surrounding the project is crucial.
CDSB CAO Brian Marks agreed, highlighting the need to market the facility effectively to avoid delays in filling units, which could impact the board’s finances and taxpayers.
“Coun. Black, your point about almost like a Gantt chart releasing how we come up with the costing, the marketing, I mean, that'll be tabled at the next meeting. And it will be a living document, just given the changes that are occurring, especially with unknowns like the impact on tariffs when it comes to sourcing materials to install an elevator,” Marks said.
Public consultations will involve interest groups, community partners, and agencies, Carriere said.
“As well as this will require a zoning change, and the planner that we have hired will have public consultation, and we'll be looking for feedback on that,” he said.
The next CDSB meeting is March 20.