On Friday, the provincial government announced funding and the donation of land to help house approximately 250 vulnerable seniors and low income families in Calgary.
“I’m thrilled to announce we are providing $6 million to Bishop O’Byrne Housing Association towards the construction of the new Columbus Court facility,” said Lori Sigurdson, Alberta’s Minister of Seniors and Housing. “Our government has also donated the land for this project, a demonstration of our commitment to getting affordable housing projects built here in Calgary.”
Columbus Court will be built across the street from Columbus Place, a Bishop O’Byrne Housing Association facility that opened in 2013, and will offer 100 units consisting of one, two and three bedroom suites. The building will provide residents with access to a library and fitness centre on site.
Sigurdson says the funding pledge is the latest example of the current government’s commitment to helping vulnerable Albertans.
“We do need more,” said Sigurdson. “We certainly inherited a system that had been neglected for years. Our $1.2 billion investment is four times more than the previous government’s last capital plan so it’s a step in the right direction.”
The total budget for the Columbus Court project is $24 million and the Bishop O’Byrne Housing Association continues its effort to raise $6.8 million for the project
