Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services . (Government of Alberta)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Seven Communities

Alberta government aiming to repair and renew housing for those in need

Feb 26, 2024 | 12:04 PM

Alberta’s government says it is working with housing providers to repair and maintain affordable housing in Alberta.

Provincial officials say supporting affordable housing is a top priority for Alberta’s government, ensuring those in need have a safe, stable and suitable place to call home. With an investment of $1.2 million, the government says seven organizations, including one in Ponoka, will receive funding to support improvements to affordable and seniors housing facilities.

“This funding will ensure these affordable housing units are maintained and get appropriate repairs to keep them accessible, safe and stable places for Albertans to call home,” explains Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services. “By repairing existing units and facilities, we are saving taxpayer dollars, investing in our affordable housing infrastructure and supporting housing providers to make sure facilities are meeting Albertans’ needs.”

Funding recipients include seven organizations in five communities across the province: Edmonton, Calgary, Grande Cache, High Prairie and Ponoka. The government says the funding will support improvements in 245 rental units in these communities.

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Bringing these units up to date, ensures housing facilities can be a place for Albertans to call home for years to come, say government officials. Examples of repair and maintenance projects that qualify for the funding include replacing windows, repairing elevators and renovating interiors.

“Sound asset management is a cornerstone to providing safe, affordable housing,” notes Martina Jileckova, chief executive officer, Onward Homes. “The provincial investment will ensure Onward residents can continue to enjoy quality homes for years come.”

“During this time of housing supply shortages, it is critically important that all rental housing units be made available,” shares Kyle Fawcett, chief external relations officer, Silvera for Seniors. “This funding will ensure that Silvera is able to optimize the number of housing units within its portfolio that can be made available to those looking for safe, reasonably priced rental housing.”

According to provincial officials, affordable housing enables families and individuals to use their income for other essential needs and to improve their quality of life. Alberta’s government says it is investing in existing units to ensure Albertans have access to safe, stable and affordable housing now and into the future.

Alberta government quick facts

• Funding recipients:
  • GEF Seniors Housing (Edmonton)
  • Rimoka Housing Foundation (Ponoka)
  • Silvera for Seniors (Calgary)
  • Heart River Housing (High Prairie)
  • Onward Homes Society (Calgary)
  • The Evergreens Foundation (Grande Cache)
  • L’Arche Association of Calgary
• Budget 2023 allocated $94 million toward capital maintenance and renewal over three years.
• $16 million in additional CMR funding was announced in the fall.

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