Groundbreaking ceremony for Seniors' Lodge in Coleman

On October 5, ground in Coleman was broken for a new seniors' lodge.

“Our government is investing in safe and affordable housing for seniors across the province,” said Jennifer Burgess, Press Secretary for the federal Office of the Minister for Seniors and Housing and the Office of the Minister for Infrastructure.

Burgess said that the original lodge in Coleman was built nearly 40 years ago and was no longer meeting the needs of its residents.

An example of this, Burgess said, was the old lodge’s residents had challenges moving around the areas of the lodge building, their suites and bathrooms even with the help of mobility aids.

Currently slated to be completed and deemed livable by Fall 2020, Burgess says that the new, three-storey lodge located at 8633, 22nd Avenue will have 85 units with 61 supported living units that include meal, housekeeping and laundry services, and two, one-storey wings that will house 24 supported living units for dementia care.

Burgess said that the lodge will also feature a commercial kitchen, dining area, administrative area, commercial laundry and areas for ongoing programs. The suites will be larger and accessible.

The building will be built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certifications.

“We are making life better for seniors in Crowsnest Pass by keeping them close to their families and connected to their communities.” added Lori Sigurdson, Minister of Seniors and Housing for the Government of Alberta.

In terms of funding, Burgess explained that the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada provided a combined $17.17 million for the construction of the lodge.

Burgess adds that the Government of Alberta is also providing $6.48 million through the Alberta Supportive Living Initiative (ASLI) to build 24 units of designated supportive living for dementia care.

“Our government has seniors’ backs,” Sigurdson said. “We are on their side. This investment is part of our promise to ensure that seniors have access to affordable and supportive housing. This project transforms our promise into a reality.”