Construction is now underway on a project designed to help older adults remain in their community as they age. The Smooth Rock Falls Attainable Housing Corporation, in partnership with the Town of Smooth Rock Falls, has begun construction on the new build, which will create 20 accessible two-bedroom rental units for residents aged 55 and older. The project is being built on municipally owned land near the hospital, with Descon Construction leading the work o the build. The first residents are expected to move into the development by fall 2027. Housing planner Keith Harriman said the need for seniors’ housing is widespread, with many older adults being forced to leave their communities due to a lack of options. “Seniors have to leave their communities because they can’t find appropriate housing and that’s a terrible story,” Harriman said. “Like every community we go into, they’ve been trying to get one of these projects going for 10 and 20 years. You know, we come in and we do a business plan. We do a needs analysis. We do public meetings. We meet with people and even before we start building, the place is practically filled.” Fifteen people have signed up so far and more than 100 others are currently on a waiting list. Harriman says rent for a two-bedroom unit is expected to range between $1,650 and $1,750 per month.
