Red Deer’s $28.3-million replacement for the oldest seniors’ home in Alberta is on track to be open next spring, says Alberta Seniors and Housing Minister Josephine Pon.
The minister was joined by local dignitaries on Friday afternoon for a tour of the 90-unit assisted living facility being built on the site of the demolished Red Deer Nursing Home.
It replaces the 65-unit Piper Creek Lodge, which was built in 1958 and has been in need of replacement for many years.
Of the 90 new units, 25 are for independent residents, while the remainder will have access to additional services, such as housekeeping and meals.
Pon said the rooms will be bigger and allow seniors to have better access to higher levels of care.
The facility at 4736 3oth St. will be operated by Bridges Community Living (formerly known as Piper Creek Foundation).
Construction began about three months ago. It remains on time and on budget and has created about 200 jobs.
Red Deer Mayor Tara Veer said city representatives have been working on getting a new seniors home for five years.
The mayor credited the provincial government for “addressing what has been a longstanding infrastructure need and challenge in our community.”
It will allow seniors to live and age in the community, while enjoying the living standard they deserve.
“For our public to have faith in our institutions, we need to follow through on our words with actions,” she said.
Meanwhile, repairs continue at the Bridges Community Living-run 40-unit affordable housing facility, which was badly damaged by a major water leak that began in an attic area.
Bridges executive director Geoff Olson said residents have been moved to other facilities while repairs are made. It is hoped residents can return to 10 to 20 units within a month, with other clients following as the damage is fixed.
Olson said the cause of the water leak is still under investigation. A damage estimate has not yet been determined.
pcowley@reddeeradvocate.com
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