By Lara Fominoff @LaraFominoff on Twitter

40-unit Fort Macleod seniors lodge officially opens

Sep 13, 2018 | 3:54 PM

FORT MACLEOD – A new 40,000 square foot seniors lodge in Fort Macleod officially opened Thursday (Sept. 13), boasting 40 new units.

There are 30, 350-square foot studio units which include beds, fully accessible washrooms, a small kitchen area, closet and eating/entertaining space. There are also 10, 515-square foot, one-bedroom units for couples. 11 rooms also have their own patios.

There are separate laundry facilities, a family activity room, sitting areas, a staff room, library, coffee bar, and central foyer with a large fireplace in the centre.

More than $7 million in funding was provided by the federal and provincial governments, with the Willow Creek Foundation for seniors housing coming up with another 20 per cent.

Construction on the new facility began in 2016 and replaced the old 20-unit residence. Tenants, like Glenna Moorey began moving in over the summer, say there are numerous things they love about the new building.

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“The spaciousness. The way the rooms are set out. Just about everything about it.”

Fort Macleod Mayor Brent Feyter says it’s great to have a place for seniors in the community, so they can stay near family and friends.

“This is a bid investment in the community and it’s been well received. Going from a smaller place, doubling the square footage, a lot more rooms, same location, making sure the seniors don’t feel like they’re outside of town…it’s just been a great thing overall, right from the start.”

Representatives from the county, provincial and federal governments were also in attendance. Willow Creek Foundation, which chair Maryanne Sandberg says the investment in Pioneer Lodge…demonstrates a commitment to seniors and their families.

“Seniors in the Towns of Fort Macleod and Granum and the M.D. of Willow Creek and neighbouring communities now have the benefit of a safe, comfortable home in an accessible modern lodge which is an asset to the area.”