Seniors housing project in Souris backed by the Murray Family
The project, which is currently in its infancy stages, is expected to consist of 15-18 two-bedroom seniors apartments, each with full kitchens, walk-in closets and open concept living areas. The other side of the building will feature 30 hotel rooms for visitors in town. The proposed building will be built at the site of the first Murray dealership in downtown Souris.
Ken Rempel, president of Steel Creek Developers, says the concept has been worked on by the company for a while now in an effort to allow smaller communities, such as Souris, the ability to retain seniors and visitors in their respective towns.
"Strong communities look for ways to retain revenue and residents, building stronger family connections, stronger businesses and retaining visitors. Larger multi-family buildings and hotels are hard to attract to smaller communities, but this new concept would be a sustainable solution for communities like Souris," he said in a release.
Doug Murray, CEO of Murray Auto Group, is playing a key role in the process moving forward and the search is now on for local investors and community support for the project.
"We are excited to be a small part of a project that supports the continued growth of a community that strongly supported our family business started by my grandfather A.A. Murray in 1926," said Murray.
Shawn McKinney, economic development officer for Souris, is encouraged by the project and believes having good quality rental space for seniors is key when it comes to attracting new residents to the community.
"Souris is a great place to live," he told the Journal. "It has a lot of really great amenities and services. This is not something just for Souris, but it's something that can be offered to the whole region."
Rempel estimates the project to cost upwards of $7 million to complete. Public informational meetings will be taking place in the future for interested investors or for those interested in becoming a tenant.