Originators of a private sector initiative to develop seniors housing in Canmore are asking the town’s council for a letter of support.
Gurmeet and Tina Sidhu are owners of the Mountainview Inn on Bow Valley Trail, which they hope to see become 66 designated supportive living units and 14 rental apartments.
Their proposal to the provincial government for grant money to develop Mountainview Retirement Villas is in partnership with Connecting Care, an Alberta-based operator and developer of seniors housing.
Doug Mills with Connecting Care presented the proposed development last week to council.
“Connecting Care has developed several of these supportive living communities,” Mills said, adding it also manages 1,350 supportive living suites in the province.
He said the Sidhus have met with Alberta Health Services, which has identified a need for 60 units of level four supportive living in the Canmore area. He added they performed an independent market analysis identifying a need for 80 units as there are no level four supportive units living west of Calgary.
The seniors lodge in Canmore provides level one and two care while the hospital provides long-term care.
In an effort to undertake the project, the Sidhus and Connecting Care have applied for a provincial grant, which is why they asked council for a letter of support.
Mills said without the grant, the project is not viable as AHS sets the rental rates for seniors housing.
“With the grant it is a viable option, especially with the density of suites,” he said.
However, the 14 apartments, which would have access to support services and be available on the market, would not be eligible for the grant and not filled by AHS.
Gurmeet said residents of Canmore interested in the apartments would get priority, but AHS determines who is accepted in the level four designated supportive living units.
Designated supportive living suites are proposed to be studios (355 square feet) or one bedroom (600 square feet) with a fridge, microwave and sink, built in dresser and cupboard space and a bathroom.
Registered nurses are on staff along with registered health care assistants and meals are eaten in a common area. Mills said level four supportive living is ideal for seniors with dementia.
The supportive living rental suites are proposed as one (582 square feet) or two bedrooms (899 or 799 square feet), kitchen area, living area and laundry.
