Keremeos records oldest population in the South Okanagan Similkameen: Statistics Canada
Nearly half of Keremeos’ residents are seniors, making it one of the oldest communities in the South Okanagan-Similkameen area.
The Lower Similkameen Community Services Society provides services in Keremeos from early years to late-life but over 50 per cent of their portfolio deals with affordable housing.“We are not surprised. We’ve known this demographic for quite some time and that’s part of what prompted our organization to continue to apply for housing funds and to partner with BC Housing to develop more housing for seniors,” said Lower Similkameen Community Services Society executive director Sarah Martin.
She added that the community struggles with not having enough families and working-aged people to help support the aging population.“We are currently challenged in our assisted living we are understaffed in assisted living workers or care aids. We know that home support which is operated by Interior Health does not have sufficient staffing to meet the needs in the community,” said Martin.“So we’re looking at developing more family housing to try and fulfill that need.