The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The Manitoba government is spending about $1.8 million to renovate and reconstruct the fire-ravaged Hemlock Dr. seniors apartment complex. It's money well spent in the view of Family Services and Housing Minister Christine Melnick, who said the facility will provide modern and affordable housing for area seniors. In a phone interview, she outlined a few features of the complex, including its use of mould-resistant panelized technology on the outside walls, which she said is an top-notch insulator. Melnick also pointed out that 14 of the 20 units will be specially designed for people confined to wheelchairs. As for an opening date, she said the hope is for the seniors to move in at the end of August, not late spring as had originally been hoped. The building, like its predecessor, will be owned and operated by the Manitoba Housing Authority. The construction and renovation of the facility began last fall. Workers are rebuilding the south section, which was demolished after the blaze struck, and renovating the north section, which sustained water and smoke damage but remained standing. An investigation conducted by police and the Office of the Fire Commissioner concluded that the fire of June 2002 was accidental.2/15/2005
