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$800,000 in funding to upgrade affordable housing in Red Deer

Renovations and repairs
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Together the federal and Alberta governments are putting $800,000 towards upgrading affordable housing units in Red Deer.

On Friday officials announced the funding will rennovate 11 buildings owned or operated by Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter, Parkland Community Living and Supports Society, Piper Creek Foundation and Red Deer Housing Authority.

Work on 24 units with the authority will begin as soon as possible to be completed by the fall. Officials toured one of the units in need of work, a duplex, in Highland Green on Friday.

“Our existing assets will benefit from energy efficient furnances, windows and doors, hot water tank replacements and alike to provide comfortable, efficient spaces for people in the need of social housing,” said Scott McKee, past board chair with Red Deer Housing Authority.

“What we want is for our tenants to be proud of where they live and have a nice space to live in.”

The province is providing $500,000 in funding and the federal government has allocated $300,000.

Alberta Seniors and Housing Minister Lori Sigurdson said in some cases renovations will address health and safety issues. Even though Alberta faces tough economic times, it is a priority for the province to make life better for all Albertans.

“Unfortunately our government did inherit $1 billion in repairs that need to be done. This is certainly a really good step forward. But I know there is more to be done and certainly we’ll work with the housing management bodies to ensure that they are done,” Sigurdson said.

szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com