As the Town of Blackfalds continues to increase in size at a far greater rate than any other municipality in Canada, the need for affordable housing, especially for seniors, also grows.

At last night town council meeting, council approved that administration move forward on the information gathering stage, looking to find the best affordable housing model for seniors.

Mayor Melodie Stol says the province gave them a chance to have a better look at some of the options for affordable housing. 

“Right now we have seen an opportunity with the province of Alberta releasing their Affordable Housing Strategy. It’s making comments about seniors housing, and about low-income housing throughout the province, it’s an actual strategy for the entire province. So we see some opportunities there.” 

She says Blackfalds has a few unique problems facing seniors looking for affordable accommodations that meet their needs, especially as the Baby Boomer generations approaches the senior level.

“We see where they are lacking, but it’s really difficult, because it’s hard to get that investment in medical housing, or medical based housing because we don’t have a hospital within Blackfalds, so that’s a difficult pull. So I think what we are trying to do is find that niche, where we can be successful, and gets some housing started and start us on the path of providing senior housing in the next 5-10 years, knowing how the baby boomers are coming into the equation for housing.”

The administrations findings will be presented to council before the end of the year.