Sherwood Park seniors and persons with disabilities will soon have new and modernized housing.
The provincial Affordable Supportive Living Initiative and the Lodge Modernization and Improvement program are receiving more than $3.6 million and that money will be used to develop 12 new supportive-living units at the Aurora Residence at 901 Cedar St.
“It provides those individuals with more options to stay in their communities when they no longer have the ability to live independently,” said Robert Storrier, spokesperson for Seniors and Community Supports.
The programs are also aimed at modernizing and improving more than 100 units at the Silver Birch Lodge.
“These facilities were built 10 to 15 years ago and the population didn’t use nearly as many walkers and wheelchairs as they do now,” Storrier said. “One of the ways this funding can be used is to expand doorways and hallways to allow easier access for residents.”
The projects will also benefit the local economy by generating more than $10.2 million in construction-related spending. Construction is set to begin this year and will be completed within two years.
Since 1999 the province has invested $365 million in funding to support the development or modernization of around 7,800 supportive-living and lodge units.
