The City of Humboldt could have a new 39 suite assisted living facility for low income seniors within the next couple years.

At a public meeting on Thursday, Tyler Stewart of Stewart Properties spoke about "The Elizabeth."

The convent in the north end of Humboldt will be transformed to the living facility with $3.5 million in renovations.

Stewart explains why his company is hoping to go ahead with this.

"When we toured the convent and we walked through and saw what was built in the 1960's and the engineering and the thought that went behind it, that was part of it and just how well it was maintained. Even more than that, why we have been committed up until this point going forward, there is a need for this type of housing in Humboldt."

The City agrees, that's why they worked a deal with the Saskatoon based company.

Thursday's attendance at the meeting also highlighted the need for such a facility. Over 200 people took in the information session.

Stewart says they had the public meeting to answer questions and launch the key component of the future facility, that being the raising of $400,000.

"People have been asking for awhile now, is this thing still moving forward and what will it look like? We thought that this was appropriate to let the public in on what we're doing and what our plan is."

The capital funding is needed for furnishings, equipping the kitchen among other expenditures. The monthly rent of the suites ranging in size is $1,350-$1,750, that includes three meals and more. The package is advertised as "all-inclusive. When speaking with someone involved with Sask Housing, those price tags are what would fall with "low income" levels. 

They expect to take ownership of the building from the city soon, drawings are being finalized now so if that money is raised Stewart Properties they will move ahead with the upgrades that are expected to take a year.

Stewart stressed however it's all contingent on the capital funding.

"We need to raise the money, if that money isn't raised that would derail the plan. There is no contingency plan, there is no other use for the building. We've been told by the city that it will be demolished if we don't move forward."

If you are interested in hearing more about the fundraising initiative contact Cori Norman at 231-6955. She is one of the committee members.

You can hear more from Stewart below in his interview with Bolt FM's Clark Stork below.