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Surplus school sites to become seniors housing

The city will turn eight surplus school sites into seniors' housing.

The city is in desperate need of seniors housing, and the sites will give seniors the opportunity to live in high-quality housing in a pleasant environment, said Mayor Stephen Mandel.

The land was originally intended for schools but never needed.

Council approved the rezoning Tuesday despite protests from some residents who wanted the land to remain green space.

Coun. Bryan Anderson was against the decision, but said he's accepted the outcome.

"Five or 10 years down the road I think you're going to find that these are simply new residents of these neighbourhoods and they will be incorporated like everybody else who lives there."

Community groups said they still want to be involved in planning the seniors' developments.