This artist’s conceptual rendering shows one predicted view of the finished complex. Image by Arcadis Architecture
The province is helping prevent seniors from aging their way out of a south-central Alberta community they helped build, the legislature heard Nov. 18 from a recently elected member.
Calling seniors “the backbone of our communities,” Tara Sawyer brought news of shovels-in-the-ground for a new supportive living and health care centre in Trochu, about 85 kilometres southeast of Red Deer.
Seniors are “the first to volunteer at community events, they mentor our youth and most importantly they are our family,” she said.
The UCP member for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, Sawyer praised the Alberta government for putting $21-million in capital grants towards the project, which includes 74 spaces for seniors.
Alberta has joined forces with the Trochu Housing Corporation, the Town of Trochu and Kneehill County to get the project rolling.
Money will also come from the federal government and from purchasers of life leases of independent living units.
And a fund-raising group called the Trochu Housing Society is helping cover equipment and programs.
“This new facility is an exciting step,” said Sawyer, who won a by-election June 23 to fill a seat left open by Nathan Cooper, the former speaker. “It will allow our aging population to continue to live in the communities they helped build.”
The age-in-place project boosts to 40 from 28 the number of supportive living and long-term care spaces for seniors in Trochu, a town of about 1,200 people.
As well, it will feature 18 independent living units and 16 lodge units.
The Trochu Seniors Supportive Living Centre is set to open in 2027. Covenant Health will operate its St. Mary’s Health Care Centre inside the three-storey structure. Ground broke over a year ago, when its total cost was estimated at $41-million.
The new facility will include exercise, activity and workshop areas, a spa, a hair salon, underground parking and a guest suite for hosting family and friends from out of town.
“Unlike major city centres, rural communities struggle to keep their seniors at home,” Sawyer said. “As they age, we often lack the resources to care for them.”
She continued: “We want to ensure all seniors in Alberta are provided with supportive living and the services necessary to them.”
