Ground Breaking at South side housing site

By Connor Gunn/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Housing complexes for seniors, Blackfoot women coming to Lethbridge

Jul 22, 2021 | 12:27 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Canadian and provincial governments are bringing a new mixed-income senior housing complex to Lethbridge.

Currently under construction, this new development includes 64 housing units addressing the need for more affordable seniors homes in the city, which cost the government’s $3.4 million.

The province says this project will create about 91 jobs.

Directly located across from a southside park at 720 Southgate Boulevard South, the new homes include on-site supports for the residents who should be moving in by early spring 2022.

“The units will incorporate a mixed-income model, allowing residents to pay rent at a rate that makes sense for their individual situation,” the release states.

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Josephine Pon, Minister of Seniors and Housing, says this housing option is much more affordable compared to others.

“Alberta’s government is working to create affordable and sustainable housing options for seniors. This new Lethbridge development, an affordable housing pilot P3, shows how the private sector, non-profit sector, and different orders of government can all work together to help more Alberta seniors access the housing they need.”

“I look forward to welcoming seniors to their new homes next spring.”

Mayor Chris Spearman says the city is thankful for the investment into Lethbridge.

“Lethbridge & Region Community Housing Corp. is thankful for the federal and provincial investment of $3.4 million into our 64-unit project for Lethbridge seniors wanting to live affordably and independently. All units will be partially accessible with a portion of units being fully accessible which will permit seniors to age in place.”

The province added that around 1,500 new units have been completed since 2019 and half of which were for seniors.

More details can be found at affordable housing programs.

Lethbridge will also soon be getting 14 “safe and stable housing units” for Blackfoot women.

Announced by the Alberta government, this housing option will be open to Blackfoot women and their children who are relocating from the Kainai, Siksika, and Piikani reserves.

The province says some of these women may be starting new jobs or attending school while others may be fleeing difficult circumstances and looking for safety and stability.

Seniors and Housing Minister Josephine Pon announced the governments of Alberta and Canada will provide $3.4 million for the project.

“The Indigenous Housing Capital Program is intended to support specialized projects, such as transitional housing for Blackfoot women and their children who want to move off reserve and begin new chapters in their lives.”

“Our program is designed to support community-focused projects like this one, and ensure new housing is delivered and owned by, and for, Indigenous peoples.”

The project will create an estimated 25 jobs.

“Through the National Housing Strategy, it is with great pleasure that our government is supporting this Indigenous-owned housing project in Lethbridge, so that collectively, we are better able to support vulnerable populations with a home that meets their needs. These types of investments in our communities help create new jobs and stimulate the economy, while providing access to safe, affordable homes,” says Ahmed Hussen, federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.

The funding from the provincial government is provided through the Indigenous Housing Capital Program (IHCP), which supports Indigenous governments and communities to build affordable off-reserve, off-settlement and on-settlement housing where it is needed.