Anyone who has driven by 3700 Cedar Hill Road will have been impressed by the handsome building nestled against the Doncaster Escarpment, more or less across from Lutheran Church of the Cross. (Drivers will have been less impressed with the road work, as Saanich takes its time coordinating with the construction company to upgrade the road, cycling lane and sidewalks.) The construction schedule will see the building and finishing completed by the end of November.
After Percy Dawson’s major donation to St Luke’s Anglican Church in 1949, a dedicated committee of parishioners, with guidance from the diocese, established what was then called Twilight Homes. Mr. Dawson, as sole shareholder of the project, bequeathed his shares to the diocese in trust for the work of providing affordable housing on the property. Over the years, scores of volunteer board members have kept his vision growing. The entire property, originally glebe lands attached to St Luke’s, was covered with single story cottages. As they aged, and as demand grew, it was both logical and essential to replace the cottages with larger capacity buildings.
Approved some 25 years ago by diocesan council, the first two phases, The Dawson (independent rentals for seniors on limited income) and The Cedars (assisted living for seniors on limited incomes) were completed by 2003. Phase three, The Woodlands (independent below-market rentals), will be receiving residents into its 85 units starting (we hope) in February 2025.
From ditches to doorknobs, bedrooms to balconies, hinges to hallways, landscaping to light fixtures, fridges to fire alarms, the complex details have been managed by Jensen Group Architects (who designed phase one and phase two) and Heatherbrae Builders, with input from Dawson Heights staff and the board of directors. M’akola Development Services has expertly guided us through the complexities of dealing with three levels of government funding, and more regulations and codes than one can imagine.
The Woodlands is officially owned by Dawson Heights Housing Society, whose formal membership consists of Dawson Heights Housing Limited and the diocese. The society receives financial support from BC Housing, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the District of Saanich and Dawson Heights Housing Limited, and is guided by a board of directors with wide ranging skills and experience. Of the seven members, five are active members of Anglican parishes.
Below market housing is often referred to as a housing project, but this project is more accurately described as a ministry. Though there are no religious requirements, all staff are committed to providing a safe and supportive home for all residents. In The Cedars, a weekly spiritual hour led by different denominational leaders, and a resident-led Bible study, offer a prayerful presence. The Cedars’ recreational programs are open to all residents on campus. The goal is not mere housing, but homefulness. One of the unwritten policies is often quoted: “If you have to err, err on the side of compassion.” Percy Dawson’s legacy continues, and is one that earns our pride and gratitude.
