As construction continues on a new seniors living facility in Red Deer, residents of the current Piper Creek Lodge have lots to look forward to. 

The new 90-unit facility, Bridges Community Living, will offer independent living quarters as well as live-in care suites. 

What makes the project unique is the input from residents, said Bridges Community Living Board Chair Steve Christie. 

"Part of the process - and we're very proud of it - is that the seniors and residents had a say. They got to say what their needs are, and how they want the building to function and what they're looking for in their new home. Including them in the process was very, very important and we can't wait to be cutting the ribbon on that in the next year or 18 months or so," Christie said. 

"The process has been so smooth. Sometimes these things do go on forever, and we have to be patient about it. Bridges Community Living - formerly Piper Creek Foundation - the government, and the City of Red Deer have all been patient but today is our day we look forward to things getting finished."

Christie said they have been working on this specific facility and project for over 15 years. He said it's new, innovative and a fresh way to look at seniors living. 

He said some of the needs residents identified were larger rooms where they could host friends and family, and a focus on community spaces where they could connect with each other and guests. 

Minister of Seniors and Housing Josephine Pon said, "The uniqueness about this is not just the library and other facilities seniors can enjoy. When people move in and live in an independent unit, and begin to feel older or feel like they need more assistance...they will be able to easily move from one unit to the other."

She said the Government is committed to helping seniors age in their chosen community. She also said they want to provide more programming to help prevent things like loneliness and isolation, rather than act after those things become an issue. 

From the Government of Alberta:

Construction on a new seniors lodge in Red Deer is helping ensure seniors have access to affordable housing – even as their needs change – and creating 204 jobs.

Government is investing $28.3 million to replace Piper Creek Lodge – the oldest lodge in Alberta. Construction is well underway, with foundations installed and walls up. Once complete, the new facility will allow seniors to access additional care without having to move.

“I am pleased to see this new facility is ahead of schedule. Not only will this project replace Alberta’s oldest lodge with a more modern, spacious version, seniors will be able to more easily access increased levels of care, reducing their stress and improving their quality of life.” Josephine Pon, Minister of Seniors and Housing.

“Affordable housing for seniors in Red Deer and central Alberta is critical to ensuring our citizens can continue to live and age near their friends and family in the city they call home. The Piper Creek Lodge is the oldest lodge in Alberta, and with this funding from the Government of Alberta, local seniors are assured a continuum of options that will meet their needs as they age. This project has been a vision many years in the making, and the city supports it becoming our community reality.” Tara Veer, mayor, City of Red Deer.

“We are very excited to see the development of the new lodge moving along so quickly. This is a testament to the partners involved, and their commitment to seniors housing.” Steve Christie, board chair, Bridges Community Living.

Of the 90 units, 25 are for independent residents, while the remaining 65 lodge units will have access to additional services, such as housekeeping and meals.

Residents are expected to begin moving into the new facility in spring 2021.

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