Seniors living in housing provided by the Sturgeon Foundation can expect to see some facility repairs and new paint on the walls, following a $771,000 funding boost from the province announced Tuesday.
“This is good, welcome news that we weren’t expecting,” said Dennis Magnusson, the foundation’s executive director.
“Especially considering the age of the facilities and the economic climate, the fact that the government is giving out these grants and recognizing the needs of seniors, is much appreciated.”
Magnusson said the foundation board will be busy in the next several weeks planning how best to apply the funding across six supportive living seniors lodges in St. Albert, Morinville, Legal, Redwater and Gibbons.
The buildings range from 50 years in age – Chateau Sturgeon in Legal – to the nearly 20-year-old North Ridge Lodge in St. Albert.
Magnusson explained residents will see repairs to windows and roofs, as well as esthetic improvements to facility layout such as the arrangement of dining rooms and new paint.
“We are very pleased to receive this funding. Now we have some work to do to set our priorities,” he added.
Sturgeon Foundation provides services to seniors living in 417 units through affordable housing and lodges, as well an independent living in self-contained units.
As identified in the 2013 Alberta budget, the provincial government has provided $30.9 million to upgrade up to 172 seniors accommodations across the province.
Housing management bodies have been allocated $3,000 for every lodge, cottage and unique home unit as a one-time capital renewal investment. The funds can be used for building repairs, mechanical and plumbing upgrades, fire and safety upgrades and kitchen, dining room and resident room expansions and renovations.
Independent living units are not eligible for this funding.
