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EverythingGP file photo
By Shaun Penner
Spirit River

New Spirit River Seniors Lodge inches closer with community consultations wrapped up

Feb 13, 2021 | 7:00 AM

The new Spirit River Seniors Lodge is one step closer to becoming reality, as community consultations have now wrapped up for the project.

The consultations came after it was announced back in early 2020 that $24 million from a joint provincial and federal program investment would go towards a new 92-unit seniors’ facility in Spirit River, replacing the Pleasant View Lodge.

The 92 Suite Lodge will contain 40 lodge suites, 52 designated supportive living suites. A separate building with 24 self-contained units for seniors is also planned on the site.

Upon completion, the facility will be managed by the Grande Spirit Foundation (GSF) in partnership with Alberta Health Services.

GSF Manager Steve Madden says the feedback he heard from not only future residents, but the community as a whole was helpful.

“That’s what we wanted to hear from the community; is what do you see out there when you’re driving by? Or you are going to visit your mom, or that you know your mom is in a place that they actually feel very comfortable,” said Madden. “That’s what the community consultation really helps out with.”

The community engagement sessions covered off several topics, such as the architecture and design of the building as well as site amenities and hobby spaces among many others facets of the project.

Madden adds he is just glad to see this project moving along on schedule, as he knows the need for the facility in Spirit is high.

“This isn’t just great for the seniors who need more care, but also for their families, as the individuals will be able to stay in the community & still receive necessary services.”

Though he described the completion of this step as “step two of 1,000”, Madden says the province will now be able to get a sense of exactly how much the project will cost.

Madden adds the project remains on track to be completed within approximately three years time.

by Shaun Penner