Seniors looking for affordable housing in Calgary will now have more options thanks to a $10.4M grant from the federal and provincial governments.
The Lions Village is now open, offering 90 units to meet the needs of low-income seniors.
The development sits on a triangle of land at the intersection of Crowchild Trail and Kensington Road N.W.
But the building will be more than just a home for them. It will also offer activity for the residents and welcome interaction with service clubs and services for seniors within the communities of West Hillhurst and Parkdale.
"Through Economic Action Plan 2012, our Government is taking concrete action to create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity," said Minister of State of Foreign Affairs Dian Ablonczy. "Funding projects like Lions Village will not only improve the overall housing conditions for seniors in Calgary, but also help stimulate the local economy and create jobs."
"Developing innovative solutions to housing challenges is important as housing is both an economic and social issue," said Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Doug Griffiths. "Alberta continues to close the gap in demand for housing by investing wisely with partners, and each year more housing comes on stream providing a better quality of life for thousands of Albertans in need."
The Lions Clubs of Calgary started construction in 2010 with a $10 million federal grant and nearly $5 million in fundraising
The club has owned the property since 1954 and up until a few years ago, 24 tiny bungalows occupied the land.
Seniors who lived in the bungalows were evicted to make room for the new building but those will be the first invited to live there.
