The Provincial and Federal government have announced a $160 million program over four years dedicated to rural senior housing in Alberta. Tom Zariski of the Drumheller and District Seniors Foundation says the funding is welcomed.

    The provincial and federal governments have stepped up its commitment to Senior housing in rural Alberta and have pledged $160 million over the next four years.
    Premier Jim Prentice made the announcement at the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMD&C) conference in Edmonton last week. The money is to fund major renovations for the replacement of Senior lodges outside of Alberta urban centres.
    “One of our most pressing priorities is to ensure seniors have the opportunity to age with dignity in the communities they helped build, surrounded by friends and family. Increasing the number and quality of the spaces available in rural communities will help keep seniors in their hometowns where they feel connected and secure,” said Jim Prentice, Premier of Alberta.  
    This is an addition to an announcement earlier this year from the Canada-Alberta Investment in Affordable Housing targeting seniors, low income Albertans and families. Overall, this program is committing $202 Million.
    Drumheller Town Councillor Tom Zariski sits on the Drumheller and District Seniors Foundation (DDSF) and says this support is welcomed by the foundation.
    “It looks like a step in the right direction,” said Zariski. “Municipalities have been trying to cope with the increasing numbers of seniors in need of affordable, supported housing. Drumheller is a prime example of a community where the seniors housing needs far surpass the ability of the Drumheller and District Seniors Foundation to provide. DDSF looks forward to more information about this program and the possibility of partnering with the provincial and federal governments”.
    Federal Minister of State for social development says the investment will help support seniors in their own communities.
    “Our investment in Affordable Housing allows flexibility so that provinces can direct our substantial federal investments towards their local priorities. We’re pleased to partner with Alberta on this important initiative so that seniors living in rural communities have access to quality, affordable housing, close to their families, neighbours and the services they need,” said the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development).
    Alberta Minister of Seniors echoes this commitment.
    “Nearly 70 per cent of all seniors lodge units are in communities outside of Alberta’s major centres. Multi-year investments like this are critical to ensuring aging properties are appropriately maintained or replaced,” said Jeff Johnson, Alberta Minister of Seniors.
    The Alberta government plans to work with housing management bodies to complete an evaluation of senior’s lodges to determine needs.

Mrs. Riep’s Grade Six class at Greentree Elementary is at work loading up the delivery truck with shoeboxes the school collected for the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child. Pedersen’s Transport donates the shoebox delivery to a distribution centre in Calgary. Greentree teachers and parents contributed $200 to put toward the shipping costs to deliver the boxes. Rosebud and Consort schools also collected and delivered shoeboxes to Drumheller Monday, November 24, bringing this year’s total to 351.  Local coordinator Sheri Cooper said boxes collected this Christmas season are scheduled for delivery to Uruguay, Guatemala, El Salvador, and 10,000 are heading to the Ukraine.