Collage - Collaborative aging in place - is a proposed senior’s shared housing development at the at the intersection of Jubilee Rd and Preston St. It consists of 3 lots with a total land area of 7,819 sq.ft. (726.4 sq.m). Each of the 3 houses currently on the site has 3 apartment units and in total there are now 27 bedrooms.

This project meets an urgent need for affordable and accessible ageing in place housing that is missing in Halifax. It is intentionally designed for seniors in the “in-between phase” of needing a smaller home and wanting to downsize, but not yet ready to move into an isolating “care” facility; needing their independence and identity but also wanting to be part of an active and engaging community. 30% of the homes will be affordable.

The proposal is to build a total of 20 homes on the site. Each of the homes has direct and visible access from outside. 19 of the homes have a bedroom, a living area and their own kitchenette (with no 220 wiring). The 20th home on the south east corner of the property has a similar living area, but has 3 bedrooms (intended for students). All together there are 22 bedrooms.

All of the homes:

Are accessible and have a front door with direct entry and visibility from outside

Have access to 2 full shared kitchens-as common space to cook, eat, gather and collaborate

Have a roll in bathroom and a storage wall

Fronts onto a south facing courtyard with a community garden and places for outdoor activities ( social, contemplative, fun and green), and

Have operable windows (light/air) and a balcony or porch/solarium on 2 sides.

Collage offers a model of a place to live where one can continue to have access to what is most important during this still active phase of life, and not be forced to give up so many aspects that support positive social outcomes. The design adheres to the Regional Centre land-use by-law, and is a reflection of the positive, community-building design that can result from the Housing Accelerator Fund-mandatedupzoning in urban residential neighbourhoods.