Medicine Hat seniors and persons with disabilities benefit from new supportive living projects

March 21, 2012

Edmonton… More seniors and persons with disabilities will be able to take advantage of 90 new affordable supportive living spaces that will be developed in Medicine Hat. As part of the Affordable Supportive Living Initiative (ASLI) grant request, each project is designed to meet identified unique needs in the community.

The Alberta government is providing almost $8 million for two projects, resulting in more options for residents to continue to live in Medicine Hat close to family and friends. A special request for grant applications was held after Alberta Health Services determined that there was a higher need for additional dementia accommodations and services in Medicine Hat.“We know what the identified priorities in Medicine Hat are and these projects will address them. The future residents will now have more options to remain in their communities when they can no longer live independently because of increased accommodation and personal care needs,” said George VanderBurg, Minister of Seniors. “Because project submissions were less than anticipated and we had met target for Medicine Hat, we were also able to providing funding for the Clients On-going Rehabilitation and Equality Association (CORE) project that will provide affordable supportive living spaces for persons with developmental disabilities while we continue to meet the mandate of the program”

Park Place Seniors Inc. and Clients On-going Rehabilitation and Equality Association (CORE) were the successful applicants and construction is expected to start later this year and should be completed by 2014.

“This is a great day for Medicine Hat and especially for seniors in Medicine Hat,” said Len Mitzel, MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat. “There are many amenities that draw seniors to our area and by assisting in the development of the Park Place project and these 80 new affordable supportive living spaces, reflects our commitment to help the supply of seniors accommodations that will allow them to age in place.”

The funding for these projects are from the 2011-12 ASLI budget.

Funding, provided under the province’s ASLI program, is available to municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, housing management bodies, local housing authorities, community groups, Métis settlements and private sector organizations.

“The CORE Cares project is a fitting tribute to the tireless efforts of the parents and supporters of the original George P. Vanier School,” said Rob Renner, MLA for Medicine Hat. “The school they built provided a safe learning environment for disabled children and will come full circle and become a home for some of the same students as they age.”

All project applications are reviewed and rated against established program criteria by a cross-ministry panel. Project selection carefully balances providing seniors and persons with disabilities in these communities with increased access to quality accommodations and services while ensuring public funds are used effectively.

Backgrounder: Additional details on the Medicine Hat supportive living projects

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Robert Storrier
Seniors Communications
780-415-9950
Robert.Storrier@gov.ab.ca

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.