October 21, 2004

Supportive living facilities for seniors to be built in rural

Red Deer...A new $50-million capital program will provide the basis for the development of supportive living facilities for low- and moderate-income seniors in rural communities across the province. The facilities will allow seniors to live independently in the community, while having access to services and supports to assist them in managing their health and personal care challenges. Using a model that has worked well in the past for the Healthy Aging Partnership Initiative (HAPI) and the Seniors Supportive Housing Incentive Program (SSHIP), the Alberta government will partner with regional health authorities and the private and/or voluntary sectors to build the facilities. "I am delighted to spearhead this important new program that will provide services and facilities for seniors to remain independent for as long as they are able," said Infrastructure Minister . "I look forward to seeing some innovative project ideas coming in that will address the housing and health care needs of seniors in rural Alberta." Government will use the $50 million to contribute up to 50 per cent of the capital costs, with the private/voluntary sectors providing the remaining funding. The health regions will be responsible for providing health care services to the residents of the supportive living facilities. "Seniors are such a big part of their communities. New supportive living facilities throughout Alberta will allow seniors to receive the services they need so they can remain in their home communities with their family and friends," said , Minister of Health and Wellness. Alberta Infrastructure has invited more than 100 private and voluntary agencies to submit Expressions of Interest to develop supportive housing projects in areas outside of the municipal boundaries of and Calgary. Other interested parties are encouraged to apply. The criteria state that supportive living providers must partner with a regional health authority to build facilities that can accommodate seniors with high health and personal care needs. The deadline to submit Expressions of Interest is December 6, 2004. "Over the past five years, this government has helped fund the construction of over 1,900 supportive housing units for seniors," said Stan Woloshyn, Minister of Seniors. "I am pleased that this new initiative is continuing the legacy of the highly successful HAPI and SSHIP programs to help expand the level of supportive housing in Alberta." -30- For further information, contact:

Mark Cooper David Dear Alberta Infrastructure Alberta Health and Wellness Phone: (780) 422-0506 Phone: (780) 427-7164 Cell phone: (780) 718-2973 Kevin Donnan Alberta Seniors Phone: (780) 415-9953 Cell phone: (780) 916-7603 http://www.infras.gov.ab.ca Dial 310-0000 for toll free access outside Edmonton.

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