This release was issued under a previous government.

The Good Samaritan Mountain View Centre will receive a 48-bed expansion, and funds to enhance the fire and safety systems within the existing facility.

“Premier Jim Prentice has made providing safe, quality and affordable seniors housing a priority for this government. We’ve worked with our community partners to make sure new care spaces are built to give seniors the care they need in a setting that’s close to family and friends.”

Jeff Johnson, Minister of Seniors

The Hinton Pine Valley Lodge will also receive funds to begin making immediate upgrades to sprinkler systems.

“Hinton has needed supportive living spaces and I’ve been working with the community and the Good Samaritan Society to address this challenge for a number of years. This investment in spaces, in addition to sprinkler upgrades to both the Mountain View Centre and Pine Valley Lodge, will ensure that seniors in Hinton have safe accommodations and receive the care they need.”

Robin Campbell, MLA for West Yellowhead

An Affordable Supportive Living Initiative (ASLI) Request for Proposals was issued by government in fall 2014 that specifically targeted areas of the province that showed a need for supportive living spaces. The goal is to ensure that those who are no longer able to stay at home will have choices in their own communities that support their independence and provide the care they need, with their families and friends close by.

Over the next three years, the Alberta government will direct $80 million to upgrade fire and safety systems in government-owned or supported seniors housing facilities throughout urban and rural Alberta. Many of the 24,000 government-owned and supported seniors units in Alberta were built prior to 1990, before fire sprinklers became mandatory under fire and building safety codes.

Supportive living is designed for people whose care needs mean they are no longer able to stay in their own homes. Residents have their own private rooms, meals, housekeeping, and 24-7 professional nursing care services, depending on their care needs.