A 24-unit affordable housing complex aimed at seniors, lower-income families and people with handicaps has been proposed for Sylvan Lake.
Sylvan Community Housing Society is behind the project to build 24 apartments in a new subdivision being built on the southeast side of town by Falcon Homes.
Society chairman Frank Peck said a proposal for the $3.7-million project is being put together to submit to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC), which will review the project and its business case.
If the proposal gets the CMHC’s stamp of approval, it will help fund the project through to the development stage, which will cost about $80,000.
Provincial funding will then be sought to bankroll the project.
In a time when there are many projects competing for provincial dollars, it is worthwhile having the project vetted by a group such as CMHC, said Peck.
“It just adds a little more to it when we take it to the province for assistance in funding.”
Red Deer architect George Berry is also working with the society to take the project forward.
Peck said half of the units will be for seniors and those using the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program, which provides financial and health-related assistance to adults with a disability. The other 12 units will be for those on limited incomes.
The society knows of seniors and people with disabilities who are looking for homes in Sylvan Lake, he said.
If it goes ahead, the project will provide a place for seniors who want to continue living independently.
“I’ve talked to a few seniors and they are quite excited about it.”
Sylvan Lake town council gave the proposal its support in principle on Monday, joining the summer villages and Red Deer County.
The society hopes to have its application in to the province by Christmas. If approved, the society would like to see construction start next summer for a 2014 completion.
Peck said the project fits into the developer’s plan for the subdivision, which is expected to be approved by the end of the year.
Coun. Ken MacVicar said the town has long talked about getting developers involved in helping provide affordable housing options.
“I certainly agree we need to support this. It’s something that’s needed in the community.”
pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com