This release was issued under a previous government.
“Affordable housing for Alberta seniors is critical to our province. The Medicine Tree Manor rebuild is an incredible opportunity to improve and modernize the lodge for residents. The project also shows our continued commitment to High River’s recovery while ensuring there is essential seniors housing in the community for many years to come.”
“On behalf of the Foothills Foundation, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Province of Alberta for ensuring affordable and safe accommodation for our seniors through the redevelopment of Medicine Tree Manor. This generous investment will benefit not only our seniors, but will enhance our entire community.”
The total project cost is estimated at $9.9 million. The Alberta government will provide $4.95 million in capital funding, and the Foothills Foundation, which owns Medicine Tree Manor, will provide the remaining funding.
The 52-unit Medicine Tree Manor, built in 1960, will be demolished and replaced with 40 larger-sized lodge units on the existing site. New resident rooms will be more than double the size of existing rooms and corridors and common areas will be enlarged to meet current requirements. Construction is expected to begin this fall and is anticipated to be complete in 2017.
Medicine Tree Manor shares its location with The Westwinds Lodge (32 units) and The Parkside at Medicine Tree Manor (28 units). All three lodges were flooded in June 2013, displacing 112 residents.
Displaced seniors will be supported in other seniors’ facilities in the region or in government-supplied interim housing during the rebuild of Medicine Tree Manor. The repairs of the other two lodges will be coordinated with the construction of Medicine Tree Manor.
Under the Building Alberta Plan, our government is investing in families and communities, living within our means, and opening new markets for Alberta's resources to ensure we're able to fund the services Albertans told us matter most to them. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.