(Dreamstime)

By David Opinko

New seniors housing complex announced for Lethbridge

Dec 8, 2020 | 1:33 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Seniors in Lethbridge will soon have a new place to call home.

The provincial and federal governments are partnering with the Lethbridge Housing Authority to build a new 64-unit development.

The mixed-income project will include 32 units with rent set at 20 per cent below market rates while the other 32 will be at market rental rates.

“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Investments like this one here in Lethbridge demonstrate that our Government is committed to helping create new jobs and stimulate the economy, while providing access to safe, affordable homes for Canadian seniors,” says Federal Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development Ahmed Hussen.

The estimated cost of the development is $12.5-million. Of that, $3.4-million will come from the province and Ottawa.

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The Alberta government will work alongside the City of Lethbridge and Lethbridge Housing Authority to secure other funding partners.

“Lethbridge City Council is thrilled and appreciative of this funding commitment to seniors housing development in our city,” says Mayor Chris Spearman. “Safe and affordable housing for our senior population is of the utmost importance. This partnership is a creative idea and one that will have many benefits to the senior residents of Lethbridge.”

Robin James with the Lethbridge Housing Authority says the cottage-style project will provide seniors with safe, affordable, and barrier-free living. The units will be pet-friendly, which she says will help to address social isolation.

Lethbridge-East MLA Nathan Neudorf adds that he is extremely grateful for the government’s contributions towards this initiative.

“This is an exciting initiative because this is an example of how Alberta’s Recovery Plan is helping those in Lethbridge who need it most. This public-private partnership will fully leverage every available dollar to maximize this project, as well as creating new jobs and more units than a conventional approach.”

LNN has reached out to the Government of Alberta for further details.