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The governments of Alberta and Canada are celebrating the construction of a new $17.3-million affordable housing development that will provide needed homes for seniors, individuals and families in Fort Saskatchewan.
Federal Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion Ahmed Hussen and Alberta Seniors and Housing Minister Josephine Pon, along with Gale Katchur, mayor of Fort Saskatchewan, and Joanne Vanderheyden, president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, announced the details at an online event.
The development is being built using an innovative design that incorporates traditional wood construction and modular elements like shipping containers. In addition, it will provide accessible accommodations while bringing its energy performance to net-zero levels. The building will be named Muriel Ross Abdurahman Court, in honour of the former MLA and Fort Saskatchewan mayor.
This project created about 121 jobs during the planning, design and construction phases of the development. Permanent jobs will be added once the facility is operational. Residents are expected to start moving into their new homes in fall 2022.
The new four-storey apartment building, owned and operated by Heartland Housing Foundation, was built on land donated by the City of Fort Saskatchewan, located next to Dr. Turner Lodge. It will help ensure low-income seniors, individuals and families in the Fort Saskatchewan area can remain in their community.
“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Our government is committed to helping those who need it most, which is why we are pleased to partner with our provincial and municipal counterparts, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Heartland Housing Foundation to make a real difference in the lives of people here in Fort Saskatchewan and everywhere in Canada. This is the National Housing Strategy at work.”
“The Government of Canada is pleased to partner with all levels of government, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Heartland Housing Foundation to provide funding that will benefit modest-income families and individuals in Fort Saskatchewan. This will have a positive impact on residents and contribute to building a strong foundation for a sustainable economic future.”
“Housing is the foundation for a bright and prosperous future. These beautiful new homes will provide the stability residents need to improve their lives and financial situations. Thanks to our strategic partnerships, innovative projects like this are helping us meet the diverse housing needs of Albertans, now and in the future.”
“This 83-unit new development will help low-income families and seniors in Fort Saskatchewan and area improve their lives and financial stability.”
“The City of Fort Saskatchewan is pleased to partner with the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, Heartland Housing Foundation and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to help provide this new affordable housing in our community. This is a much-needed project, and we are grateful to all the organizations who made it a reality.”
“Municipalities are on the front lines of climate change and climate action, and communities of all sizes are showing climate leadership at a time when we need it most. The investments we are seeing today through the Green Municipal Fund empower municipalities to get results on the ground. We deliver results with our partners – helping cities and communities tackle affordable housing challenges, create jobs and build a greener, more sustainable country. Together, we are on the path to net zero.”
“Heartland Housing Foundation is proud of this partnership to bring 83 units of much-needed below-market rentals to the City of Fort Saskatchewan. Demand for these units is already quite high, and we are pleased to see how the community has embraced this development. Our hope is that Muriel Ross Abdurahman Court will be a place that generations of leaders – like Muriel herself – will grow up and thrive in an inclusive and vibrant community.”
This project was made possible through partnerships with the Government of Canada, Energy Efficiency Canada, City of Fort Saskatchewan, Heartland Housing Foundation and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Partnerships are a key element of Stronger Foundations: Alberta’s 10-year plan to improve and expand affordable housing.
Editor's note: This news release was also issued by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation on Jan. 19, 2022.