A business proposal on Hillcrest Lodge’s long-awaited $11 million expansion was presented last week to Alberta government.
Now administrators at the Barrhead facility have to wait until February or March to learn whether government funding is available.
Hillcrest’s top administrator, Dorothy Clarke, said a request had been made for 50 per cent – or $5.5 million – of the project cost.
If the request is approved, detailed architectural drawings will be produced and work could begin towards the end of next year.
“We could probably start shovelling in September or October 2013,” said Clarke, Barrhead and District Social Housing Association (BDSHA) chief administrative officer.
The phased project involves removing the U wing and building 40 new assisted-living units and an upgraded kitchen. The units would meet the needs of those currently falling through a gap in services.
Last Wednesday, Hillcrest hosted Mike Leathwood, Assistant Deputy Minister of Housing Development and Operations in Municipal Affairs. With him were Terri Watamanuk, housing advisor for Municipal Affairs, and Loretta Bertol, housing advisor for north operations, Municipal Affairs.
They were met by Clarke and Madelaine Wessel, chair of the Barrhead seniors and social housing board.
Afterwards, Clarke said a proposal with costing for capital purposes, and a seven-year operating plan, was submitted. It included conceptual drawings.
If government could pay half the cost, said Clarke, there were plans to pay the balance.
For instance, $2.1 million had become available because the mortgage on Klondike Place – one of the Barrhead manors which offer independent senior living – had been paid off in February.
“This is the big difference from where we were several months ago,” said Clarke. “Before, I think we had $1.8 million available.”
The remaining $3.4 million could be acquired through mortgage arrangements.
“It is definitely doable,” said Clarke.
The Municipal Affairs trio, who are believed to be on a fact-finding tour of several Alberta facilities seeking provincial money, were taken on a tour of Hillcrest and shown what was envisaged. They were told that as the project will be done in phases, there will be no disruption to residents.
“They said they would be making a decision in February or March,” said Clarke.
Wessel said she was very proud with the work put into the proposal submitted to Municipal Affairs.
She believed the Ministry delegation had left with a good impression.
Wessel said the expansion plan would provide larger rooms and enhance security for residents as part of the “aging in place” concept; this spells out the desire for people to live safely and independently in their own community, surrounded by family and friends.
Barrhead Mayor Brian Schulz was encouraged by the latest developments.
He said he was glad the board was sticking aggressively to its plans.
“They feel like I do that the more we can do for our senior population to have a better quality of life the better,” he said. “It should be one – and is one – of our top priorities.”
Earlier this year, Clarke said the Hillcrest project would help fill a gap in Barrhead’s continuing care services that was affecting more than 30 seniors.
The gap means some people go to Westlock, Whitecourt or Onoway to receive specialized care, while others stay at facilities in town not tailored to their needs.
The affected seniors include those with dementia or ailments that require oxygen therapy, such as emphysema, asthma and bronchitis.
BDSHA provides housing at Hillcrest Lodge, Klondike Place, Jubilee Manor, Golden Crest, Pembina Court and James and Della Roach Manor at Fort Assiniboine.
A continuing care centre concept has been drawn up for the Barrhead area.
It identifies four types of care that should be provided. Barrhead offers facilities for three of them: long-term care (Keir Care Centre); designated assisted living (level 4), including a nurse on staff and on call 24 hours a day (Shepherd’s Care); and designated assisted living (2), including a nurse on staff less than 24 hours (BDSHA facilities, Hillcrest, Klondike Place, Jubilee Manor and Golden Crest).
The one type of care Barrhead does not provide for is designated assisted living (3), catering for residents with serious needs. This requires a licensed practical nurse and/or health services aide on staff 24 hours a day.
“I would say 30 to 40 people in Barrhead fall into this category,” said Clarke in June. “Probably nearer the 30 mark.”
