The governments of Alberta and Canada are celebrating the start of construction on a new $24.8-million housing project that will provide needed homes for seniors with a range of care needs in Spirit River.

The new development will replace the Pleasantview Lodge and will have an increased capacity of 92 units. Of this, 40 units will be lodge spaces and 52 units will be designated supportive living spaces to help seniors age in the community as their care needs change.

This project will support about 175 jobs during the planning, design and construction of the facility. Construction is underway and residents are expected to start moving into their new homes in spring 2024.

Federal Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion Ahmed Hussen and Alberta Seniors and Housing Minister Josephine Pon took part in the groundbreaking ceremony June 3. The governments of Canada and Alberta provided $19.8 million for the project through the Canada-Alberta Bilateral Housing Agreement under the National Housing Strategy.

This project was made possible through the Lodge Partnership Program, a joint initiative between the ministries of Health and Seniors and Housing. The program identified communities with the highest need for seniors housing that combines supportive living spaces with lodge housing.

Information provided by the Government of Alberta