Several open houses are upcoming regarding a supportive housing project being discussed for Morris. The Committee is being led by Deputy Mayor Chris Hamblin, with the project having two additional municipal partners in the R.M.'s of Morris and Montcalm.
Earlier this year it was announced the first regional facility built by Red River Supportive Housing - Logement Supervisé de la Rivière Rouge Inc., will go up in Morris. The housing complex would be the first step, and serve as the hub, to enhancing housing, social, economic, and community services in the Town of Morris and RMs of Morris and Montcalm.
"The committee led by Deputy Mayor Chris Hamblin has been doing fantastic work," said Morris Mayor Scott Crick. "I know people always think these things can move forward a little bit quicker, but to do them right and to have an opportunity for these sorts of things to actually happen, requires time and effort."
Originally planned for December, the open houses have been postponed until January. They will include drawings, and discussion on the progress made so far and next steps. Details regarding locations and times will be posted on the respective municipality's website.
Crick noted there's always been interest in supportive housing, and there is a huge demand for it, too.
"I think recognizing aging in place being a key part for people to be able to age within their communities, maybe not when they have totally lost independence, but certainly when people hit that point in life where they would like some third party to maintain facilities, maybe have somebody do meals for them, etcetera," he said.
He is saddened when currently people he's known for decades have to move out of the community to get this kind of service.
"The demand is certainly there, the challenges are certainly there as well, too," he pointed out. "It's not a cheap proposition building the building, and it will take a wider contribution and a wider interest in making this happen. I know that will be part of the conversation at the open houses, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the committee has to say."
You can listen to the latest episode of In the Mayor's Chair with Morris Mayor Scott Crick, below.