Both the federal and provincial governments have partnered on a $24.8 million dollar seniors housing project, set to begin construction next spring in Spirit River.
Federal Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, Ahmed Hussen and Alberta Seniors and Housing Minister, Josephine Pon announced the governments of Canada and Alberta will provide $19.8 million for the project through the Canada-Alberta Bilateral Housing Agreement under the National Housing Strategy.
The new development will replace the old Pleasantview Lodge, increasing housing capacity to 92 units in the community. Of the units, 40 will be lodge spaces and 52 will be for designated supportive living to help seniors age in their neck of the woods as care needs change.
175 jobs are to be created with the project with the planning, design and construction of the facility. Permanent jobs will be created once the facility opens and is operational. Residents are expected to start moving into their new homes in the spring of 2024.
“The Town of Spirit River, along with our surrounding communities known as the G5, are very excited to see shovels in the ground for the spring of 2022. The 92-bed seniors lodge will allow for our seniors to age in place in their community where their family and friends reside with the added benefit of continued health care with their doctors and pharmacists. We look forward to this project beginning and the economic spinoffs our community will benefit from.”
-Tammy Yaremko, Mayor of the Town of Spirit River
$833,000 is being allocated from the G5 Municipalities for the seniors housing project. The majority of the funds are coming from the Canada-Alberta Bilateral Housing Agreement, with Canada’s National Housing Agreement of a ten year and $72 billion plan to give Canadians a place to call home.
-Erika Rolling, Trending 55 Newsroom
