Cutting the ribbon on the Uptown West development.

The joy and excitement of the ribbon cutting on April 23rd at Uptown West; a new rental building in the heart of New Westminster, was years in the making. The 29-storey tower located at 612 7th Ave is now home for 11 low-income seniors who have an affordable place to live, thanks to a partnership between the Seniors Services Society of BC and PC Urban Properties.

Since February 2026, eleven clients 60 years and older have moved into ten apartments priced below typical market rents creating more accessible options for people with limited fixed incomes. Located within walking distance to shops, transit, parks and essential services, the pet-friendly building in the heart of Uptown provides both convenience and community — along with an array of amenities.

Three years ago, Kirk Robinson, Senior VP, Development inherited the project when he joined PC Urban Properties. As part of the Uptown West project, ten below market units were set aside for low-income seniors to be operated by a local non-profit organization. One of Kirk’s first tasks was to identify who that non-profit partner would be.

“I had a list of organizations from the City of New Westminster,” recalled Kirk. “I started calling everyone on the list and eventually connected with Alison [Silgardo, SSSBC’s CEO]. We exchanged emails, and I recommended SSSBC as a good group to work with.”

Kirk explained, “SSSBC stood out—not only because they address a significant and growing need across BC communities, but also because they’ve been highly effective to work with: pragmatic, responsive, and low-maintenance.”

PC Urban has earmarked units for SSSBC in other projects that are working their way toward approvals. In each case, SSSBC will manage placement, compliance reporting, and tenant support services for the below-market units.

The impact of having a secure place to live that is both affordable and within walking distance of services that seniors need is life changing. So is the relief from having both emotional and practical support from SSSBC and PC Urban staff to help navigate the journey, particularly after facing the stress and anxiety of potentially becoming homeless as a senior.

SSSBC client David explained, “The building is beautiful, and I feel secure and well looked after — which is so important at this stage of life. I couldn’t have accomplished this on my own.”  He went on, “I cannot thank everyone involved enough for all that you’ve done. You didn’t just make this huge transition easier — you made it possible, and for that I am truly grateful.”

To read more stories like this, sign up for our quarterly newsletter The Beat.