EDSON, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - March 19, 2015) - The Governments of Canada and Alberta are working together to build new affordable housing for low-income seniors in Edson, Alberta. A joint investment of some $12.1 million will support the expansion of the Parkland Lodge and fund 62 rooms in the three-storey, 102-unit building. The new lodge, operated by the Evergreens Foundation, will include activity rooms, exercise facilities and guest housing for families who come to visit.

Jim Eglinski, Member of Parliament for Yellowhead, Alberta, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development), along with the Honourable Robin Campbell, Member of the Legislative Assembly for West Yellowhead, made the funding announcement today.

Quick facts:

• The new lodge will replace the existing building, developed in 1960, and located at 4619 9^th Avenue in Edson.
• The joint funding comes as a result of the 2014-2019 Canada-Alberta Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement, which represents some $202 million over five years to help more individuals and families in housing need.
• The remaining funds for the new lodge will be contributed by the Housing Management Body, The Evergreens Foundation, and/or its members.
• The Evergreens Foundation is a non-profit housing management body that has been providing affordable housing options to seniors, individuals and families for over 50 years. It provides support to the surrounding communities of Hinton, Edson, Jasper, Grande Cache and Evansburg.

Quotes:

"Access to affordable, quality housing is important, not only here in Alberta but across Canada. Our government is proud to invest in housing developments that provide seniors with a stable and affordable place to live. This is great news for Edson."- MP Jim Eglinski, Member of Parliament for Yellowhead

"Edson has a need for seniors spaces and I'm pleased that we are able to support this project, in addition to the 76 continuing care spaces being built at the new Edson Hospital. Our commitment is to build quality accommodation options that meet a variety of needs. This investment helps ensure seniors can stay in their communities, close to family, friends and neighbours." - Honourable Robin Campbell, MLA for West Yellowhead

Associated links:

• Annually, the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), invests approximately $2 billion in housing. These investments improve the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people. Economic Action Plan 2013 continued this commitment with a federal investment of more than $1.25 billion over five years to renew the Investment in Affordable Housing to 2019. The Government of Canada will ensure that funds provided to provinces and territories support the use of apprentices, which will support training of skilled labour.
• In the last four years, the Alberta government has dedicated more than $220 million towards seniors' housing across the province. This includes $144.5 million in federal-provincial funding to renew and expand 14 lodges. Renovation projects and replacement units funded by the IAH in 2012-13 include government-owned lodges in Boyle, Camrose, Canmore, Drayton Valley, Forestburg and Milk River.

Stay connected:

• Follow CMHC on Twitter @CMHC_ca
• Follow Alberta Seniors on Twitter @YourAlberta