Oyen receives funding to determine needs for assisted living residence

By Gillian Slade on March 7, 2018.

gslade@medicinehatnews.com  @MHNGillianSlade

Provincial funding was announced Tuesday for Oyen to determine the scope of an assisted living residence for seniors.

The Aging in Community rural pilot project is worth $100,000 to the town.

“We’re excited to have this opportunity to move forward on a request and do a feasibility study,” said Mayor Doug Jones of Oyen.

It is already clear there is a need for an “assisted living” seniors’ residence in Oyen but it is necessary to determine the scale of that need and therefore the size of the facility required, said Jones. Once the scale is determined the town will look at opportunities for grants and funding for the project.

Oyen already has a seniors’ lodge for long-term care but it does not include assisted living.

Alberta’s affordable housing system includes government-owned or supported housing provided by the public, non-profit and private sectors.

This affordable housing is available for people with low income who due to financial, social or other circumstances cannot obtain or maintain private market housing.

“Everyone should have a safe and affordable home. Our government is making life better for Albertans by investing in projects that will create more housing and improve existing homes for those who need it the most,” said Lori Sigurdson, Minister of Seniors and Housing.

Oyen was one of seven communities to receive funding totalling $1.4 million: Parkview Village, Calgary received $250,000; Fort Saskatchewan $250,000; Spruce Cliff Downs, Calgary $250,000; Piyami Lodge in Picture Butte $250,000; Silver Willow Lodge in Nanton $250,000; and Metis Urban Housing Corporation in Edmonton received $100,000.

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