More than $800,000 was announced in Red Deer today to upgrade affordable housing units in the community.
The announcement was made by the federal and provincial governments at a property that will undergo upgrades in Highland Green.
Projects that will receive funding in Red Deer include social housing and seniors’ buildings. Renovations and repairs will take place at 11 buildings owned or operated by the Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter, Parkland Community Living and Supports Society, Piper Creek Foundation and Red Deer Housing Authority.
The funding has been allocated for projects like furnace upgrades, hot water tank replacements and windows.
“It’s so important for people to have well-maintained housing and to be able to stay in their communities where their families and friends are, so it’s really important, this investment,” said Lori Sigurdson, minister of seniors and housing. “It is so important that our government is investing, even though we are in tough economic times.”
She added the governments work with the housing management bodies and each year are told the priorities in each community. “They choose those projects and this funding will help them be able to fulfill that. They look at the condition, age of the property, health and safety issues with fire and sprinkler upgrades in the senior facilities are looked at, so that is where the money is going.”
As for the funding break down, the Central Alberta Women’s Shelter will receive $48,000, Parkland Community Living Supports Society will receive $87,000, the Piper Creek Foundation will receive $155,800 and the Red Deer Housing Authority will receive $525,500.
“Red Deer Housing Authority is looking forward to the capital improvements made possible by this funding which allows us to make over 20 units more energy efficient by the installation of new windows and furnaces,” said Don Wielinga, Red Deer Housing Authority board chair. “Safe and secure housing a priority for RDHA and we thank the federal and provincial governments for making these improvements possible.”
efawcett@reddeerexpress.com
