The Lac Ste. Anne Métis Community Association officially broke ground on their affordable seniors housing development through a ceremonial sod turning with partners. Phase One of Otâ Wîkitâhk, meaning “let’s live here” in Cree, is funded jointly by the Governments of Canada and Alberta as part of a 50/50 cost matched program through the Indigenous Housing Capital Program (IHCP).
This new development will provide a much-needed housing option for the Lac Ste. Anne Métis Community Association’s seniors and Elders where they can maintain their deep connections to land and community.
Previously, many community members have been forced to move into the city as they age due to a lack of safe and adequate housing options in the community’s core area. This new facility will offer housing that enables our seniors and Elders to stay close to family and friends. Phase 1 of the housing development includes 8 bungalows and 4 semi-detached units, as well as a Gathering Hall, offering future residents enhanced opportunities for community building and supportive living.
Windspeaker Radio Network spoke with Tracy L. Friedel, PhD, LSAMCA President, saying the it’s a very important milestone for the community to see the groundbreaking event come to life.
Tracy L. Friedel, PhD, LSAMCA President speaking at the groundbreaking event for new seniors housing (Photo Credits – Daniel Barker-Tremblay)
Friedel speaks on the timeframe on the phase one of the project’s completion, construction to begin this spring and completion set for early spring of 2024.
Otâ Wîkitâhk seniors housing project image showcased at groundbreaking event (Photo credits – Daniel Barker-Tremblay)
With the help of government funding from the Governments of Canada and Alberta as part of a 50/50 cost matched program through the Indigenous Housing Capital Program (IHCP), Friedel says that it helped with making the affordable seniors housing become reality.
Concept image of the affordable seniors housing (Photo Credits – Daniel Barker-Tremblay)
Friedel goes on to talk about the choice of the name of the housing project Otâ Wîkitâhk, meaning “let’s live here” in Cree, and what it symbolizes to the Métis Elders and community.
Digging machine ready for construction of the Seniors development project (Photo Credits – Daniel Barker-Tremblay)
Construction of Phase 1 is scheduled to begin in Spring 2023. Otâ Wîkitâhk will be located at the corner of Range Road 40 and Township Road 544A, approximately 8 km west of Alberta Beach.
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