Pam Young outlined the Willow Creek Foundation’s plans for a five-unit townhouse complex for seniors during an open house on Thursday at Pioneer Lodge.
Tentative plans for a five-unit townhouse complex for seniors were unveiled Sept. 19 by the Willow Creek Foundation.
About 30 people turned out at Pioneer Lodge for a presentation led by Pam Young.
“We wanted you here tonight to present our thoughts to date, and ask for your reaction, Young said.
Young explained to the audience that Willow Creek Foundations manages two manors in Fort Macleod and one in Granum that are owned by the province.
The foundation also owns and operates Pioneer Lodge.
The foundation owns two residential lots at the corner of Sixth Avenue and 27th Street where it proposes to build the townhouses.
To comply with the Town of Fort Macleod’s land use by-law, the foundation has the option of building two duplexes or five townhouses on the property.
The foundation decided to explore the townhouse option and on Thursday presented preliminary plans and drawings.
“We’ve come up with what we think is the best use of the space and the best bang for our buck,” Young said.
The plans reflect information the foundation gathered in a survey on seniors’ housing two years ago.
The foundation learned from the survey that Fort Macleod residents are leaving their home community because they can’t find the housing they want in town when it is time to downsize.
“We know that people prefer to stay in their own community,” Young said.
The proposed location should appeal to seniors for its proximity to the Macleod Manors and Pioneer Lodge, as well as the Fort Macleod Health Centre.
The property is also close to Centennial Park, River Valley Wilderness Park and the Oldman River, as well as shopping and coffee shops.
The foundation proposes to build five 1,086 sq. ft. one-bedroom townhouses with everything on one level.
There will be a living room, bedroom, kitchen, spacious den, laundry area, and bathroom with room for an outside patio at the rear and a sitting area in front.
Each unit will have a 520 sq. ft. detached garage in the rear.
The basement area will be undeveloped, intended to house the furnace and hot water tank, with some room for seasonal storage.
The foundation will take care of snow removal and yard maintenance, and will try to find bulk rates for Internet and cable TV service.
Tenants will be allowed one small pet.
“This is totally independent living,” Young said.
People at the open house were interested in what the foundation plans to charge for rent.
“We’re not sure yet,” Young said.
Tentative plans are to rent the townhouses at “fair market value” prices of $3,000 to $3,500 a month. Utilities are not included in the rent.
People at the open house were asked to complete a questionnaire to provide the Willow Creek Foundation with more information.
The foundation does not have a time line when construction would begin.
“We would be at least two years out,” Young said.
Pam Young outlined the Willow Creek Foundation’s plans for a five-unit townhouse complex for seniors during an open house on Thursday at Pioneer Lodge.
An artist’s conception of the overhead view of one of the townhouses.
