The provincial government has announced that it is inviting proposals from Stettler and Didsbury communities to consider for a grant funding of a total of $18.8 million for additional affordable supportive living spaces for seniors.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Seniors and Community Support said proposals for this capital funding could be submitted by non-profit, voluntary, private sector organizations, local housing authorities, management bodies, community groups and municipalities.
The funding comes from the Affordable Supportive Living Initiative (ASLI) and Alberta Capital Bonds, a provincial borrowing program which the government introduced last year in response to the economic downturn.
“Detailed project proposals to build and operate the two facilities (in Didsbury and Stettler) will be accepted until Friday, July 30,” the statement said.
“Once a proponent is selected, it is expected the new facilities will be completed or well underway by 2012.”
The statement quoted minister Mary Anne Jablonski as saying “Alberta Capital Bonds will supplement existing provincial government programs to help build affordable continuing care accommodation. This is an innovative approach to address the changing needs of an aging population.”
“By increasing the number of affordable supportive living spaces in Didsbury and Stettler, we are responding to community priorities. As a result, more seniors will have more options to remain as independent as possible, even with increased personal care needs,” Jablonski added.
More information, including the request for proposal application form and information package, is available by phone at 780-644-8749 or on the Seniors and Community Supports website at http://www.seniors.gov.ab.ca/continuingcare/asli.