The Crestview Housing Co-operative celebrated 40 years of operation.
The organization, one of four housing co-ops in Moose Jaw, provides 43 self-contained apartment units for people age 55 and older.
Emcee Al Klassen thanked volunteers from over the years who have contributed to operating the co-op.
“We could have waited until the 50th (anniversary) but who would be left?’’ he joked.
Opened under the auspices of the then Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) in 1983, the co-op received assistance from Saskatchewan Housing Corporation after 1998 when CMHC transferred obligations to the province.
From 1998 to 2019 when the mortgage was paid off and burned, Sask. Housing subsidies amounted to $1.584 million.
Klassen credited volunteers who made the co-op a reality . “Your have made it the kind of place you want to live in.’’
A bit of mirth took place when a “Miss Geraldine’’ read a poem by resident Irene Young telling the history of the Crestview Co-op.
Deputy Mayor Kim Robinson said the co-op is "like a microcosm of what a community should be.’’
Residents are expected to contribute to the ongoing operation of the facility. To date, 271 tenants have lived in the place.
Klassen said rents are reasonable with a two-bedroom unit renting for $960 a month. The co-op has a waiting list.
Former MLA Warren Michelson said Crestview Co-op was one of their favourite places when his wife Debbie and he attended events. “It was so welcoming.”
A fire some years ago that destroyed part of the building “was devastating but it was contained. You fixed everything. The building looks beautiful.”
Representatives from three other housing co-ops in Moose Jaw — Esquire, Rosewood and Silverwood Estates attended.
The co-operative housing program was started by the federal government and CHMC to help alleviate an affordable housing crisis and build more housing
