Province invests $26.2 million in Planeview Place redevelopment

LEDUC -- The province is contributing up to $26.2 million for the redevelopment of Planeview Place.

The major project will include the addition of 66 new units to the seniors lodge and the replacement of 81 of the existing units. This will be completed in three phases and will mark the first significant improvements to Planeview Place since 2004. The redevelopment is being undertaken by the Leduc Regional Housing Foundation and is expected to break ground in the spring.

"It's going to be incredible," said Nathan Neudorf, Alberta's Minister of Assisted Living and Community Supports. "Led by the Leduc Regional Housing Foundation, the redevelopment is planned in three phases on the existing site. It will modernize accommodation for seniors, and expand the supply of affordable housing right here in Leduc."

Since its construction in 1963, Planeview Place has been redeveloped a total of four times. Since its last major upgrade more than twenty years ago, many of the building's units have deteriorated in quality, which has prompted the dire need for improvements. Neudorf says that maintaining local seniors housing is a top priority for his ministry. 

"They help provide affordable accommodation and day-to-day supports, while allowing residents to maintain their independence," said Neudorf. "Keeping these lodges in good condition and planning for future needs is also important work for local housing providers."

Once construction begins next year, the project is expected to take a total of three to five years to be completed. It will also include an expanded parking lot and a new outdoor common space. LRHF Executive Director Stacey Houston says that to allow the major expansion work to be completed without displacing any residents, phase one of the project will be built into the existing parking lot to transfer seniors into that space before demolition work begins as part of phase two.

"Construction will take place in three phases, designed to minimize disruption," said Houston. "One of the priorities of the board, and the senior leadership team, is that no seniors be displaced during this process."

By 2051, Alberta is projected to have a total population of about seven million people, with seniors (aged 65 and older) making up 21 per cent of the population. This means that roughly 1-in-5 Albertans (approximately 1.47 million seniors) will be 65 or older.