New seniors lodge site chosen

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The new seniors lodge planned for Strathmore now has a site – a parcel of land located east of Kinsmen Park and adjacent to Centre Ave.

Strathmore town council approved the transfer of the parcel to the Wheatland Housing Management Body (WHMB), the organization managing the new Wheatland Lodge and Hospice.

Berry Architecture + Associates, a Red Deer-based architectural firm, was hired by WHMB to conduct a multi-part engagement process to direct the design of the facility. Hospice space for the Wheatland and Area Hospice Society is included in the proposal.

The 4.7-acre parcel, a former commercial and industrial property, is currently undeveloped and features no trees. The land donation will represent the town’s contribution to the project.

Glenn Koester, WHMB board chair, said he was thankful to the town for their contribution. 

“I think they want to see this project carried forward, and they’re committed in good faith,” he said.

A geotechnical survey of the land was performed a few weeks ago, but WHMB is still waiting on the results, said Koester, who added the next steps for the project will be developing a final schematic and budget.

In September, the provincial government announced it was seeking proposals for the provision of hundreds of new continuing care spaces across Alberta and included Strathmore as one of the communities targeted for funding. WHMB responded with a statement of interest with the new lodge proposal but have still not yet heard back from the province, said Koester.