Coniston seniors' housing in the works, citizen group says

A community group in Coniston is trying to tackle of issue of a lack of senior housing in Greater Sudbury.

The non-profit housing organization formed by areacitizens is planning a $13 million, 55-apartmentbuilding for the bush land at the end of Elm Street in Coniston.

Ken Conlon, 80,a board member and future tenant, has spent hisentire life in Coniston and doesnt want to follow the path of many other seniors who have been forced to leave the town due to the lack of available housing.

A lot of them, my friends that have moved out that are older, theyd like to get back, he said.

The plans for the new building have been in the works for about five years now.

"You can't look at other people going to do something for you, you got to do it yourself. If you want to get results, if there's nothing here, try to get it for yourself, Conlonsaid.

Les Lisk, president of the housing corporation, is now one of seven candidates running to be city councillor for the area.

He said hes come too far to get the campaign get in the way.

You know, its been ongoing for so long that we want it as soon as we can, Lisk said.

The first step is to get the property, which is already owned by the city, re-zoned for housing, which is expected to happen sometime in the coming weeks.