Wildrose MLA Joe Anglin took it upon himself Tuesday to speak on behalf of the provincial government and announce that the Tories had approved $13.3 million funding for a new seniors lodge in Rimbey.
The MLA for Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre said he had a copy of a letter confirming that the money came from Municipal Affairs, but he wouldn’t show it to the Advocate.
He also said acting Minister of Municipal Affairs Greg Weadick confirmed the funding last Wednesday.
But Trisha Anderson, Municipal Affairs spokesperson, said she couldn’t confirm the funding.
“Redeveloping seniors lodges across the province is a priority for Municipal Affairs under our long-term housing plan to meet current and future needs. Announcements on project commitments will be made in the near future and Parkland Manor (in Rimbey), as one of our oldest lodges, is one that is under consideration for funding,” she said.
Anglin said the Town of Rimbey and the Rimoka Housing Foundation received the funding that would pay for the construction of a new 40-suite seniors lodge as well as some money to repair Parkland Manor.
“This is something the community has been working for for a long period of time,” Anglin said.
Rimbey Mayor Rick Pankiw could only say that funding for a new lodge was very close.
“A formal announcement about the funding needs to come from the government, not the Rimoka board, not the Town of Rimbey, or anyone else,” Pankiw said.