Four foothills seniors lodges will be getting some much needed upgrades after the provincial government announced it will provide $30.9 million for improvements at seniors facilities across Alberta.
The Foothills Foundation will receive $597,000 to go towards projects at all four of its senior’s lodges in Okotoks, Black Diamond and High River.
Foundation CAO Lauren Ingalls said the funding was an unexpected surprise.
“It’s a much needed injection in the lodge program and I think it’s reflective of the province’s commitment to maintaining seniors housing in local communities,” she said. “Really, it will go a long way to addressing some long-term capital maintenance items.”
The funding is being distributed to projects in each facility based on a rate of $3,000 per room. The 46-unit Sandstone Lodge in Okotoks will receive $138,000 and the 41-unit High Country Lodge in Black Diamond will receive $123,000. In High River, the 32-room Westwinds Lodge will receive $96,000 and the 80-room Medicine Tree Manor will receive $240,000.
Ingalls said the foundation will have to develop a list of potential projects and submit it to the provincial government for approval by May 31.
She said the foundation has a number of projects high on its wish list, including installing air conditioning in buildings that don’t have it and “life safety” improvements.
“It’s things like upgrading the fire alarm systems, what we call our nurse call (system) for senior assistance,” said Ingalls.
The Province has outlined specific guidelines for how the funds can be used including repairs and maintenance, as well as debt repayment. However, the money cannot be used to build new units, said Ingalls.
As well, she said the projects must be something that can be completed within one year.
According to Ingalls, it will be a challenge to determine the best use of the provincial funding, particularly for older facilities like the Medicine Tree Manor that is 53 years old.
“We have another lodge that is 11 years old, but they’ve allocated the same amount of money and they don’t allow you to transfer between facilities,” she said. “That creates some challenges.”
Kathleen Range, Alberta Municipal Affairs and Housing spokesperson, said the funding is a short-term measure intended to address the most urgent needs in seniors lodges.
“Lodges are really important in the community,” she said. “They’re important so that seniors can remain in their community close to their family and friends and this renewal funding will help make that happen.”
Range said the Province is working on a longer-term strategy to deal with lodges, which should be unveiled in the coming weeks.
“There are some other steps they’re taking to help renew these lodges, add units, to also reconfigure units and so on,” she said.
