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Stettler set to get 88-unit seniors' affordable-housing complex

A major project to add 88 new affordable supportive-living spaces in Stettler for seniors has been confirmed to meet the growing demand for this type of housing in town.

Construction of the $8.8 million Points West Living project will start in 2011 and will be well underway by 2012, funded by Alberta Capital Bonds investments.

“We are thrilled about this project,” said Town of Stettler Mayor Dick Richards.

“This is the next step in a process which helps address this growing need in our community.”

Points West Living will build the complex in partnership with Canalta on land of about five acres on 70 Street northeast of the intersection of 44 Avenue, said Doug Mills, a director with Points West Living that also has similar facilities in Wainwright, Vegreville, Lloydminster and Grande Prairie.

“This will certainly meet a need in the community,” said Mills.

“We like the Stettler community and we have a local partner.”

Mills expects work to start next spring and open in the summer of 2012.

After plans and designs are finalized, Points West Living intends to present the project to the community and town council.

Last week, the developer discussed the plans with a Stettler-based official of Alberta Health Services.

“Demographics show that we have an ever-increasing senior population and this project will allow those needing this type of accommodation the ability to remain close to their families,” said Mayor Richards.

Council is thankful that the provincial government included Stettler among the 13 seniors’ accommodation projects funded through Alberta Capital Bonds investments and the Affordable Supportive Living Initiative program.

“The economic spin-off from this project will also benefit the entire area,” said Mayor Richards.

Funding for the project will be further leveraged with additional investments from private and not-for-profit sectors.

“This is a very important day for the residents in Stettler and surrounding area, as this affordable supportive-living project has been greatly anticipated,” said Jack Hayden Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and local MLA for Drumheller-Stettler.

“Projects such as this provide seniors with more options to continue to reside close to family and friends in the communities they have helped to build.”

Seeking to construct a facility in Stettler, 10 detailed project proposals were received from the Stettler requests for proposal that was held earlier this year.

The Stettler affordable supportive-living project is part of the Government of Alberta’s $7.2 billion investment in public infrastructure for 2010-2011 that will strengthen the economy, help keep Albertans working and provide core public services to maintain a high quality of life.

“We’re committed to helping seniors by increasing the supply of affordable supportive living spaces, preparing for the changing needs of an aging population and supporting the province’s Continuing Care Strategy,” said Mary Anne Jablonski, Minister of Seniors and Community Supports.

“It is extremely important that we help to develop supportive living spaces with flexible care levels so seniors can remain as independent as possible, while living in a home that meets their changing accommodation and service needs.”