Proponents Continue to Advocate for Homestead Lodge Expansion Project

Proponents Continue to Advocate for Homestead Lodge Expansion Project

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Proponents for the expansion of Homestead Lodge seniors home in Vegreville are continue to bring forward a proposal to the Province.

The latest request to expand the Vegreville based seniors assisted living facility came from the MD of Minburn Foundation on April 27, 2020 to Alberta Seniors and Housing Department.

Marielle Brodziak, Executive Director of the MD of Minburn Foundation, said the proposed plan for expansion would be for an additional 60-unit build, demolition of the west wing of the building, 42 suites, for a total of 84 units.

Brodziak said the existing Homestead Seniors Lodge, (HSL) was originally constructed in 1961, with 3 major additions and renovations (1972 increased from 32 to 42 suites, 1995 the original 32 suites were renovated and additional support rooms added, and in 2000 another 24 suites were added on the East side of building including a multi-purpose atrium).

“This request is an annual ‘ask’ submitted with MD of Minburn Foundation’s Annual Business Plan. It’s been an ‘ask’ for quite a few years now. The status of the application hasn’t changed. The Provincial Government knows the MD of Minburn Foundation wants to expand their facility. The Foundation does not expect a response, unless it’s an announcement for funding.”

The Foundation first submitted a proposal for expansion back in 2016, and received letters of support from both Minburn County and the Town of Vegreville.

The submission falls under infrastructure and was made when the government announced they would be looking for ‘shovel ready projects’ following the COVID crisis. “It was a friendly reminder to the province four our ask,” stated Brodziak.

“Recently, MD of Minburn Foundation Board members have been re-evaluating the situation at HSL, and discussing what would serve seniors best for the proposed future expansion of the facility, as well as resolve the increasing vacancy rate.

MD Board Members feel the climate is right to build this expansion. Vegreville’s demographics indicate the ‘oldest population’ in Alberta. Baby boomers are reaching the age of supportive living.” The current state of the economy, and the need to create jobs in Alberta, are also factors to be taken into consideration at this time, noted Brodziak. accessible rooms would be enough to attain a greatly reduced vacancy rate.”

Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, MLA for Fort Saskatchewan- Vegreville, confirmed, “This project was recently submitted as a shovel ready project to infrastructure. The project will provide expansion and upgrades to the facility and provide additional jobs.”

Brodziak went on to say, “Homestead Lodge is a publicly funded facility, offering what was previously termed ‘SL2’ (Supportive Living Level 2). Once a resident requires an elevated level of care offered at HSL, they are assessed for placement to a facility offering a higher level of care, SL3 or 4. HSL has suggested partnering with the provincial government to offer a higher level of care in the proposed new facility, to enable residents to have the option to ‘Age in Place’ at their home at the Lodge.

Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, MLA for Fort Saskatchewan- Vegreville, said, “This project was recently submitted as a shovel ready project to infrastructure. The project will provide expansion and upgrades to the facility and provide additional jobs.”