Construction of three wheelchair accessible homes for people with developmental disabilities should get underway in Red Deer this spring.
This week, the province approved $750,000 in funding for a Parkland Community Living and Supports Society’s housing project that will accommodate 12 adults.
A total of 17 projects in 10 communities shared $50 million through Alberta Affordable Supportive Living Initiative to help create 618 new and 86 upgraded supportive living and lodge spaces.
“We recognize there is a lot of competition among service providers and community organizations across the province. We’re very excited that we’re seen as a priority need area,” said Parkland CEO Phillip Stephan.
“There’s no question there is a need for this type of accommodation in the city of Red Deer.”
Stephan said the $750,000 is a matching grant and the remaining cost will be financed through a mortgage and a small equity investment from the society.
Parkland has 29 other homes for people with developmental disabilities in Red Deer.
The new homes will be large enough for three people to live in the main section of each home. Each home will also have a secondary suite, with a private entrance, to accommodate one person.
Municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, housing management bodies and private sector companies were eligible to submit project proposals for funding.
The province says its $50-million investment is expected to generate more than $247 million in construction-related activity.
szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com