JULIE BERTRAND/Independent reporter
Stettler town council approved the development plan from Points West Living to build and operate a new 88 unit affordable seniors supportive living facility on 70 St.
“Council had previously approved a subdivision of the lot, as it was bigger than what was required for the site,” said Rob Stoutenberg, town CAO.
The facility will have 88 units and 16 independent living apartments.
Minister of Seniors and Community Supports Mary Anne Jablonski had made the project’s announcement in November.
The province has provided $8.8 million to fund the project, provided through Alberta Capital Bonds and the Affordable Supportive Living Initiative.
Points West, which operates seniors’ centres in Grande Prairie, Lloydminster, Wainwright and Vegreville, was chosen earlier in 2010 from 10 different submitted proposals.
Construction of the building is to start in 2011 and progress through 2012.
Snow and ice removal policy
Council has adopted an amendment to the town’s snow and ice control policy.
From now on, the town will only be responsible for the removal of snow from sidewalks and pathways adjacent to or on public property.
“When we previously were removing snow from properties that we weren’t in ownership of, we opened ourselves liability-wise for situations where there is no rhyme nor reason in policy why we were clearing what we were clearing,” said mayor Dick Richards.
“I think it’s clearly defined now, and liability-wise, we reduced the exposure of the town of Stettler by saying we’re responsible as owners are to remove snow adjacent to properties that we’re responsible for.”
Town staff has also divided the town’s trails and sidewalks into four priority groups. High priority will be given to sidewalks in front of public buildings and around schools.
“This past winter, council had decided to bring back the sidewalk portion of the policy at a future date, once additional information was obtained regarding where the number of pedestrians are using the sidewalks,” said Greg Switenky, assistant CAO for the town.