A developer of a new seniors’ housing complex planned for Stettler assures that this facility will provide affordable accommodation with ample space and services for seniors with lower income.
Points West Living plans to start work on the $8.8 million project in 2011 and open in summer 2012 on about five acres on 70 Street northeast of the intersection of 44 Avenue, in partnership with Canalta and funding support from Alberta Capital Bonds investments.
“This project is for all citizens of all incomes and will take care of the housing and care needs of seniors in the Stettler area for the next 10 years,” said Mills, a director with Points West Living that has similar facilities in Wainwright, Vegreville, Lloydminster and Grande Prairie.
“We will have 88 supportive-living suites that are affordable for seniors and 13 suites of independent living including one- and two-bedroom apartments.
Support-living suites will be filled with seniors and others by Alberta Health Services, he said, and will include designated supported living levels 3 and 4 and level-4 dementia.
Rents will be the same as long-term care - $1,650 per month – including all meals, snacks, housekeeping, utilities, rent, administration and maintenance.
“Those seniors whose income falls below this rent will have their personal incomes topped up through Alberta Seniors’ Benefits,” said Mills.
“That total income will allow for payment of the rent and $265 per month for other personal expenses.”
Rooms will be a combination of studio suites around 400 square feet with one bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette and for couples, suites will be about 600 square feet with bedroom, living/dining room, kitchenette and bathroom.
Nursing services will be provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week by a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Independent living suites will be filled with seniors wanting to live in a new supportive living facility and rents will include some meals and light housekeeping although rates haven’t been confirmed yet.
“We are working through the subdivision of the land and by the end of January, we expect we should have a development permit application made to the Town of Stettler,” said Mills.
After plans and designs are finalized, Points West Living intends to present the project to the community and town council.
Points West discussed the plans with a Stettler based officials of Alberta Health Services last month after the project was announced.
The location was selected because the land is well-positioned for the future growth areas of Stettler, said Mills.
“This is the land that was available to us at the time of the proposal and we like the land’s proximity to shopping, the library, the hospital walking paths, access to major roads and site services available.”
Point West Living and Canalta are partners in the project.
“We are receiving a capital grant so we can maintain affordable rents at Points West Living Stettler for the next 20 years,” said Mills.
“Since we are providing licensed suites for Alberta Health Services, we don’t expect any occupancy issues in the foreseeable future.”
“We will work with Alberta Health Services to coordinate a presentation to the community in the first quarter of 2011.”
Funding for the project will be further leveraged with additional investments from private and not-for-profit sectors.