A decades-old building is being demolished to make way for new affordable housing for seniors in the Wolseley area. 

Demolition of the Misericordia Education and Resource Centre (MERC) on Wolseley Avenue between Maryland and Sherbrook Streets, started on Thursday.

The building which was constructed in 1961 needed upgrades to its electrical, mechanical and safety systems and anticipated costs to solely address building deficiencies led Misericordia to conclude a better path forward would be to purpose-build a new facility.

The new affordable assisted living seniors centre will be 10 storeys and have a total of 97 units. It will feature a skywalk to the main health centre and ample common spaces designed to accommodate the social, recreation and dining needs of residents.

Construction of the new building is expected to get underway in late 2020.