The governments of Alberta and Canada are joining in the grand opening celebration of the new 64-unit Southgate seniors’ complex in Lethbridge.

Located near shopping, medical services, and walking trails along a nearby lake, seniors will begin moving in to their new homes in September. The Cottages at Southgate complex offers a mixed-income rental model that bases rent on household income, and all units are fully or partially accessible.

Federal Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion Ahmed Hussen and Alberta Seniors and Housing Minister Josephine Pon offered their congratulations on behalf of the federal and provincials governments. Lethbridge-East MLA Nathan Neudorf attended the grand opening on behalf of Minister Pon.

“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home, especially our seniors who have done so much for us and deserve to retire in dignity. This housing project in Lethbridge will be home to dozens of seniors, who can now spend more time with their friends and family, and not have to worry about where they will live. This is another example of the National Housing Strategy at work to ensure that no one is left behind.”

Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion

“Our Government has a proven record of helping seniors in Alberta and throughout the country. Projects like the Lethbridge Cottage South provide safe and affordable housing to residents in our community while creating jobs and growing our economy.”

George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview

“The Southgate complex in Lethbridge shows how the private sector, non-profit sector and different orders of government can all work together to help more Alberta seniors access the housing they need. Strategic, long-term partnerships, a key initiative under our Stronger Foundations affordable housing strategy, will help us meet Alberta’s diverse needs now and in the future.”

Josephine Pon, Minister of Seniors and Housing

“This is a great day for Lethbridge. Cottages at Southgate offer Lethbridge seniors comfortable and affordable homes close to numerous amenities, shops and services. This project created jobs and provides more affordable housing exactly when we need it most. These additional spaces will also open up housing for others in our community who desperately need it.”

Nathan Neudorf, MLA, Lethbridge-East

The total cost of the project was $15.8 million with the governments of Alberta and Canada providing approximately $8.2 million. The project created 90 jobs in the community during construction.

“On behalf of Lethbridge City Council, I am thrilled to welcome this new 64-unit seniors’ housing complex to our city. We want to thank the Provincial and Federal governments, Lethbridge Housing Authority, as well as the other financial contributors who have helped make this much-needed project become a reality here in Lethbridge.”

Blaine Hyggen, mayor, City of Lethbridge

“Lethbridge and Region Community Housing Corp. is pleased to open our first mixed-model seniors complex in south Lethbridge. The Cottages at Southgate’s innovative and modern design will provide our seniors with accessible, affordable homes, outdoor gathering green spaces and is conveniently located near shopping centres, lakes, and walking paths. We are grateful for the financial support of the federal, provincial and municipal governments.”    

Robin James, CAO, Lethbridge and Region Community Housing Corporation

Quick facts

  • The project cost totalled $15.8 million:
    • Alberta Social Housing Corporation: $3.4 million
    • Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC): $4.8 million
    • CMHC seed funding: $128,000
    • City of Lethbridge: $790,000
    • Private donation: $500,000
    • Lethbridge & Region Community Housing Corporation: $6.2 million
  • Canada's National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10-year, $72-plus billion plan that will give more Canadians a place to call home.
  • The NHS is built on strong partnerships between the federal, provincial and territorial governments and continuous engagement with others, including municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations and the social and private housing sectors. This includes consultations with Canadians from all walks of life and people with experience of housing need.
  • All NHS investments delivered by the federal, provincial and territorial governments will respect the key principles of the NHS that support partnerships, people and communities.
  • Stronger Foundations: Alberta’s 10-year plan to improve and expand affordable housing reflects advice from the 2020 Affordable Housing Review Panel to redefine the government’s role, tap into community expertise, expand partnerships and simplify the system.

Associated links

  • As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. For more information, please visit cmhc.ca or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.
  • To find out more about NHS, visit placetocallhome.ca.
  • The Alberta Ministry of Seniors and Housing fosters the development of affordable housing and supports access to housing options for Albertans most in need. The ministry works with seniors, their families and caregivers, Albertans who require housing supports, communities and other government partners. A more detailed description of the ministry and its programs and initiatives can be found at alberta.ca/ministry-seniors-housing.aspx.

Editor's note: the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation also issued this news release on Aug. 16, 2022.