Federal and provincial government officials visited the Crowsnest Pass to hold a grand opening ceremony for a senior’s living facility that opened in June. Peaks to Pines offers 61 units for independent seniors and 24 supportive living units for people needing more care, specifically those with dementia.
The facility features a three-storey building and two single-storey wings for the dementia units. It includes a commercial kitchen and laundry facilities, dining area, salon and multi-purpose areas.
The project cost a total of $26.2 million, with $19.7 million provided by the province and federal government under the Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement. Alberta also provided almost $6.5 million in continuing care capital grant funding in March 2019 to support the development of continuing care capacity in the new seniors lodge.
According to the Crowsnest Pass Seniors’ Housing website, rent is geared to income for the facility — this consists of a base rent (30 per cent of residents’ income) and lodge service package. A studio suite has a rent ceiling of $1,420, with a service package of $880. The website shows a combined maximum of $2,300 for the studio
“The Crowsnest Pass Senior Housing Board is thrilled to see the new Peaks to Pines facility come to fruition. This new seniors residence will provide a range of care and services enabling residents to age in place by preventing multiple moves during the latter years of their lives if their care needs change,” said Donna Stelmachovich, board vice-chair, Crowsnest Pass Senior Housing.
The Municipality of Crowsnest Pass donated the land — the building is owned by the Alberta Social Housing Corporation and is operated by Crowsnest Pass Senior Housing.
Federal Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion Ahmed Hussen, Alberta Seniors and Housing Minister Josephine Pon and Alberta Health Minister Jason Copping offered their congratulations on behalf of the federal and provincial governments. Livingstone-Macleod MLA Roger Reid attended the grand opening on behalf of Minister Pon.
“I am so pleased to see the Peaks to Pines seniors lodge officially open its doors. These 85 modern and welcoming units will go a long way to providing seniors in southwestern Alberta with the affordable seniors housing they need. Now, seniors will be able to continue to age in their chosen community,” said Roger Reid, MLA for Livingstone-Macleod.
Blair Painter, mayor of Crowsnest Pass said the project will assist in filling the need for affordable housing choices for senior residents in the area.
