WHMB remains concerned regarding new lodge project funding

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Wheatland Housing Management Board (WHMB) continues to seek provincial funding to aid in the construction of a new seniors housing lodge. 

A presentation was hosted in Strathmore on Jan. 6 before a host of local dignitaries representing the town, as well as Wheatland County, Standard, Rockyford, and the Hospice Society. Members of the public were also allowed to be in attendance.

“The biggest challenge that we are all experiencing, there is population growth, but it is actually demographic shift when it refers to lodges. For all of those at the front end of the Baby Boomers, you are probably 80, and those at the back end just retired or are retiring,” said Derek Weis, project consultant for the proposed new lodge. “It’s a bulge, and this bulge is going to be, and is starting to be very impactful on the requirements for housing in the seniors’ context.”

Discussions regarding the proposed new lodge have been ongoing since 2020. The Times reported by this year, the Wheatland County region would be in requirement of over 1,400 housing units – 20 per cent of which would require subsidized housing and care.

From 2019 to 2029, the 75 to 84 age group was predicted to increase by 91 per cent and would require combinations of supportive living. This data had been prepared for the WHMB by Gordon and Associates Consulting Services. 

Weis’ presentation largely focused on the finances of the project. This prompted discussion regarding whether the WHMB should remain with a Class B budget, or plan to upgrade to a Class A. 

The former generally refers to a project in its “detailed design” stage, defined as having a finalized space program, as well as largely completing the drawings and specifications for all disciplines. The latter refers to an estimate attained when the bids for a project have been received, evaluated, verified, and the award of the development contract has been made. 

Ongoing concerns regarding the advancement of the budget classification have been in regard to the cost estimate in doing so being in the millions of dollars.

“We are here today at a decision point. What is happening on the schedule is related to the Government of Alberta … the Affordable Housing Partnership Program (AHPP) comes out once a year at Christmas, which all consultants hate; they give us eight weeks to submit, and then it’s a beauty contest,” said Weis. “That’s the way it is. They designed it, we have to follow the rules. Since starting this, when they rolled out their 10-year capital plan, they have awarded money to over 90 projects; however, it’s still highly competitive. Usually, one in 10 are getting money.”

Thus far, the lodge project has failed in its applications to receive provincial funding.

Though the WHMB previously considered decommissioning the old facility once the new lodge is finally constructed, that idea has since been taken off the table in order to maintain a greater inventory of assisted living spaces for seniors.

“We’re behind in beds with a huge waiting list,” said WHMB chair Glenn Koester. “We have people moving out of the community because they can’t get a room here and they’ve lived here their whole life.

“If they can move into the lodge, that frees up a house for another family … it’s not just 100 beds for seniors. It trickles down to families and others, leading to more affordable housing. It’s a cascading benefit for the whole community.”

Koester added it serves as a notable benefit to the lodge project for local constituents to send letters of support for it to the province, in this case being Premier Danielle Smith, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services, Jason Nixon, and local MLA, Chantelle de Jonge.

Wheatland County council will discuss the future of the lodge project further at a future meeting.