5-storey seniors complex gets go-ahead

Greater Sudbury's planning committee is backing a new five-storey, 55-unit seniors complex in Coniston.

Les Lisk, the chair of the Coniston Non-Profit Housing Corporation, has been trying to get the development off the ground for the past few years.

"Hopefully that when apartments are built within a year and a half or so that we'll have 55 people very satisfied that they can stay in the community," Lisk said, "they don't have to move out.As they age right now they have to move out. So they will be able to stay right in the community."

Lisk also said the building will use net zero energy, which means it will produce as much power as it uses by installing technology likesolar panels.

City councillor Deb McIntosh said Coniston is well-suited for this kind of seniors development.

"Coniston is a full service," McIntosh said, "a complete community, in that, as a senior you wouldn't even need or as anybody, you don't need a car to live in Coniston because all the amenities are all available in Coniston and everything is within walking distance. It's an excellent project."

The planning committee's recommendation now heads to city council for final approval. If it gets the green light thenconstruction will start in 2017.

See the planning committee's report here.