As the expected opening of the non-profit affordable senior living complex Résidence Meilleur du Haut Pontiac quickly approaches, volunteers have been able to provide an in-depth look at the facility to the public, during the annual general meeting on Feb. 7.

With the opening projected for May 1, the residence is providing a lot of excitement for the community of Allumettes Island, where it’s located, though it hasn’t been without at least one hiccup in the building process this past year.

Allumettes Island Mayor and Board of Directors member Winston Sunstrum said the addition of a dry sprinkler system to the facility was an unexpected expense, but a necessary addition.

“Normally, things are a little over [budget], and in our situation that’s the case,” said Sunstrum.

The dry sprinkler system had to be added to the complex’s attic, in addition to the wet system in the hall and rooms of the main floor. The addition of this comes in roughly at an additional $60,000 to the project.

“Originally the design was for the attic to be partitioned, with no sprinkler system,” said Sunstrum. “It was either missed or some new regulations came up to require a sprinkler system up there, too.”

A dry sprinkler system is filled with pressurized air, only filling with water if the system is activated. Once triggered, the air is released and the pipes fill with water, to be dispersed by the valves. This system is used in parts of a building that may be exposed to colder temperatures, to prevent the pipes from freezing.

Ivan Schryer, board of director member in charge of the building process, said this addition was costly, but did present a safety issue and was therefore necessary. He added that this addition did not affect the construction schedule.

Schryer also said the project currently sees the crew drywalling the interior, as well as some exteriors finishes and siding.

With the opening expected for just a few months from now, individuals who applied to live there in 2013 have started to be contacted, said Sunstrum.

The apartments are being offered first to residents of Chichester, Allumettes Island, Rapides des Joachims, Sheenboro and Waltham. Invitations may be extended to residents of other municipalities if a vacancy occurs.

Each apartment contains a kitchen, living room, bathroom and one or two bedrooms, as well as a door to go outdoors. The facility also has a large common area with an attached kitchen, a laundry room, meeting room, office, electrical and mechanical rooms, plus scooter parking. It also features secure entry with 24-hour surveillance.

Rent for low- and moderate-incomes is set at $699.38 for a one bedroom and $845.44 for a two bedroom.

Construction financing has been totalled at $3,359,076, split between grants from the Ministry of Housing of over $1.1 million, nearly $948,000 from the local donations, while the remaining $1,308, 669 is mortgaged, which is backed by the ministry.

With expected pledges, there is still $221,862 needed to round out the local contribution to the project.

When the project is finished, rental revenue is not expected to cover the mortgage payments and operating costs of the first years of operation. The board noted that further fundraising would be necessary to keep these payments afforded.

Inside, recently the crew has been drywalling, while also working on exterior finishes and siding.

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